Telaiya Dam history, structure, and major beautiful tourist places of this historic dam. This dam is located in Koderma district of Jharkhand and plays an important role in flood control, irrigation and power generation.
Brief introduction of Telaiya Dam
Telaiya Dam located in Koderma district of Jharkhand state remains the main center of attraction for tourists. People come here for picnic and boating with their friends and family. Telaiya Dam was inaugurated on 21 February 1953.
The height of this dam is about 99.30 feet and length is about 1201 feet. This dam is spread over a total area of 36 square kilometers. In which many islands are formed. It especially attracts tourists for boating. A hydroelectric plant has been installed in the dam here.
Which produces 4 megawatts of electricity. Which is important to overcome the shortage of electricity in local areas. This dam has the capacity to store about 11.94 billion cubic meters of water. This dam is built on the Damodar River. Near it are Konar Dam (1955), Maithon (1957), Panchet (1959).
The main purpose of building Telaiya Dam is flood control, irrigation, power generation, transmission, removing water shortage in local city and boating throughout the year.
History of Telaiya Dam
In 1943, in view of the devastating floods caused by the flood-prone Damodar river valley, a high-level “Damodar Flood Investigation Committee” was formed by the Bengal government. It was formed to investigate this area.
The Damodar Flood Investigation Committee recommended for an agreement body with the Valley Authority of the United States. After this recommendation, a senior engineer of DVA, W. L. Voorduin, was appointed to study the problem here.
Senior engineer W. L. Voorduin presented his suggestions for the overall multipurpose development of this valley in 1944. Damodar Valley Corporation was established in 1948, which started the “first multipurpose river valley project of independent India”.
This is the first dam, the construction work of which started under the project by senior engineer W. L. Voorduin. As per this project, a total of 8 dams were to be built. But due to various problems, construction work could be started on only 4 dams.
The first dam was Tilaiya which is situated on the Damodar river. The second was Konar Dam on the Konar river which was inaugurated in 1955. The third Maithon Dam was built on the Barakar river in 1957.
The fourth Panchet Dam was built on the Damodar in 1959. Today, Telaiya Dam is the first dam and hydro electric power station built by Damodar Ghati Nigam.
Structure of the Dam
The construction work of Telaiya Dam has been done with great excellence and technical skill. Talking about the structure of this dam, its total length is about 1201 feet and height is about 99.30 feet. This dam is spread over a total area of 36 square kilometers.
In which about 11.94 billion cubic meters of water can be preserved. This dam was inspected by senior engineer W.L. Voorduin. Its construction work was done by Damodar Valley Corporation. Many small and big islands are formed in the middle of this dam. Where green view is seen throughout the year.
Water source and irrigation
The water source of Telaiya Dam is mainly the rain water that falls here. Also, mountain water flows from local small and big rivers and collects in this Telaiya Dam. The same water is used by the local farmers for irrigation. Good crops are produced everywhere on the banks of the river flowing in this Telaiya Dam.
The main crops here are paddy and wheat as well as Rabi crops. Many types of vegetables are produced in the surrounding areas. Which are brought here for sale in the local market. The water of this dam is used in the local city and hydroelectric power generation.
Electricity generation
A small hydroelectric plant has been installed to produce electricity from Telaiya Dam. Which produces hydroelectricity. In which about 4 megawatts of electricity is generated.
Which is fulfilled to overcome the shortage of electricity in the local area. This electricity production work is located at Koderma Thermal Power Station, Banjhidih, Koderma, Jharkhand by Damodar Valley Corporation.
Salient features of Telaiya Dam
- Opening = 21 Februay 1953
- Encatchment area = 60 km.(approx)
- Storage capacity = 75.26 MCM (DEad level) 394.74 mcm (top level)
- Top of the Dam = 376.126 M. (1234-069 Ft)
- Danger laevel =372.475 M (1222-09 Ft.)
- Full Tank level = 372.46 M (1222-04 Ft.)
- H.F.L. of Dam on 6th july 1656-372.28 M.(1221-45Ft.)
- Warning level = 371.46 M(1218-76 Ft.)
- Spillway crest level = 365.42 M (1212-067 Ft.)
- Length of the Dam = 365.76 M (1200-058Ft.)
- DEad storage level = 363.32 M(1192-063Ft)
- Tailrace level = 346 M (1135-22Ft)
- Zeero level = 345.05 M (1132-11Ft)
- No’s of crest gate = 14 No.
- Crest gate width = 9.14 M(30″-0″)
- Crest height = 3.06 M (10″-0″)
- Type of crest gate = Radial
- Max. Height above river bed = 99Ft. (30.18M)
- Freeboard above full pool = 4 Ft (1.22M)
- Drainage cum inspection gallery near foundatino level = 7 Ft X 7 Ft. (2.1M X 2.13M)
- NO’s of units = 02 No.
- Generation capacity = 2*2 MW
- Generation voltage = 11 KW
- Rated net head = 19.5 M (64 Ft.)
- Output = 2800 HP
- Water qty. = 438 Ft’/sec
- Speed = 250 RPM
- Type = vertical francis water turbine
- number of under sluices = 2
- type of under sluices v = vertical lift gates
- Size of under sluices = 5″.5 1/2 ” X 3″-4″
Wildlife sanctuaries around Tellaiya Dam
Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 150.62 square kilometres and borders the forests of Gaya district in Bihar. It was established in 1985. It com 26 prises hilly, dry deciduous forests. It is criss-crossed by several rivers and rivulets like Barakar, Sakri, Dhadhar and Telaiya.
Environmental impact
The Telaiya Dam and the surrounding areas are always green and clean. Due to the presence of many islands and trees here, the local rainfall occurs on time. Talking about its beauty, as soon as you come here, the view here can reduce all your fatigue.
The mind becomes happy after seeing the beautiful view of nature. Many small wild animals live in these green islands. Who depend on this dam to save their lives. Many wildlife and vegetation can be found here on the island.
Social and economic impact
Telaiya Dam acts as a boon for the local community and the people living nearby. It provides relief from economic crisis to the local people here in many ways. Many people are living their life by boating on this dam. Apart from this, a small market has been built here.
In which the tourists visiting here can buy and sell. Apart from this, electricity is produced here. Which removes the shortage of electricity in the local area. Due to which many people get employment opportunities.
Safety and Management
If we look at Telaiya Dam in reality, it can be considered completely safe. All kinds of instruction boards have been put up here for your safety. It is mandatory for everyone to follow them. If you follow the safety rules, you will not face any kind of danger.
It is strictly prohibited to go to some places here. This dam is inspected every day. The water level here is measured daily. Along with this, when the water level increases, water is released through the gate. Safety management and monitoring system has been done to take care of this entire dam.
Some information is given for boating and other activities.
- Bathing in the dam is strictly prohibited here.
- Drinking alcohol and boating is strictly prohibited.
- Carrying alcohol is also strictly prohibited.
- Smoking, eating paan, gutkha etc. and spitting is strictly prohibited.
- Wearing a life jacket is strictly mandatory while boating.
- Penalty for violating the rules will be Rs 501.
- Please do not get into the water under any circumstances, it is very deep.
Some fixed charges for boating
- Double decker boat – 1 person – Rs 100 and 10 people can go together.
- In a 10 seater boat, 1 person is charged Rs 100, 10 people can go together.
- 5 persons can go together in 5 seater boat for Rs. 100 per person.
- 10 persons can go together in generator boat for Rs. 50 per person.
Note:- It is compulsory to wear life jacket while boating.
FAQ’s for Teleiya Dam
1. What is the history of Telaiya Dam?
Telaiya Dam was constructed in 1953 under the Damodar Valley Project. It is located in Koderma district of Jharkhand state and its main purpose was to collect water for flood control and irrigation.
2. What is the importance of Telaiya Dam?
The importance of Telaiya Dam is in flood control, irrigation, and hydropower generation. It is the first multipurpose dam built on the Damodar River, which is helpful in meeting the needs of agriculture and electricity.
3. What are the places of interest near Telaiya Dam?
There are many places of interest near Telaiya Dam such as Telaiya Lake, which is famous for picnics and boating, and the nearby forest area, which is a center of attraction for nature lovers.
4. What is the water holding capacity of Telaiya Dam?
The water holding capacity of Telaiya Dam is about 315 million cubic metres, which plays an important role in meeting the irrigation and drinking water needs of the region.
5. Telaiya Dam is built on which river?
Telaiya Dam is built on the Damodar River. This river flows through the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand and is important for regional water supply.