Malay Dam is Major Tourist Destination of Palamu, Jharkhand

Malay Dam is a major tourist destination in Palamu district, Jharkhand, where you can enjoy natural beauty, boating, and serene environment. It is an ideal place for picnics and adventure activities with family and friends.

Introduction to Maley Dam

The Maley Dam was constructed in 1980 near Murma village in Satbarwa block of Palamu district of Jharkhand state. This dam is built on the Maley River at a distance of about 25 kilometers from the district headquarters. The height of this dam from sea level is about 234 meters.

The total area of ​​​​Maley Dam is spread over about 1110 square kilometers (1.11 hectares). Which reduces the water problem of farmers of 27 villages of Satbarwa block area, 42 villages of the eastern area of ​​​​Medininagar Sadar block and 36 villages of Leslieganj block area.

The cost of construction of this dam was about 48.85 crores. In 2020, Maley Dam was beautified by the Raghuvar government and made a tourist spot. The Raghuvar government has done other works apart from canal paving at a cost of 175 crores. This dam is known for its natural beauty; a total of 7 small and big islands can be seen on the dam.

History of Malay Dam

The construction of Malay Dam was completed in 1980. Before the construction of Malay Dam, this area of ​​Palamu was often affected by drought. Agricultural production was limited due to lack of water for farming.

Malay Dam was planned to solve this problem. Its construction not only improved the supply of water for agriculture but also established a system of water conservation and storage.

Gradually this place developed as a major picnic and tourist destination, where people come to enjoy the natural beauty, serene atmosphere and water sports.

Today, Malay Dam is one of the major tourist places in Palamu district and its historical importance increases further due to its regional development and improvements made in rural life.

In February 2024, the Jharkhand government laid the foundation stone of the Palamu Pipeline Irrigation Project, which costs ₹456.52 crore. Additionally, a small hydroelectric project is also proposed by supplying the water of Malay Dam to the canal.

This will help in using water resources more effectively and will also help in energy production. This project will provide drinking water facility to many nearby villages.

Geographical location of Malay Dam

Malay Dam is located in Satbarwa block at a distance of about 25 km from Palamu district. Where the dam is built in the middle of lush green forest and hills. The height of this dam is about 234 meters above sea level. There are a total of 7 islands on the dam.

Tourists like to go to those islands by boating. This entire dam is spread over an area of ​​about 1.11 lakh acres. There are many villages around Malay Dam. This dam has been built to provide water facility to the farmers of those villages. Malay Dam can be easily reached by road.

The roads here are quite good. Malay River, Koyli River, many ponds, pools, check dams, valleys and other things on the banks of Malay Dam attract tourists.

Natural beauty of Malay Dam

The view of Malay Dam is the main attraction of the place with its lush green hills, forests, valleys and waterfalls. Boating is done at Lamey Dam. Which provides proper entertainment facilities for the tourists. The valleys around the dam are completely green as well as attractive to see.

Talking about the tourists here to see this dam, tourists are seen here every day. A park-like tourist spot has been built on the banks of the dam. In 2020, the Raghuvar government has done other works besides canal paving at a cost of 175 crores for the beautification of this dam.

Here the water of the dam looks a bit dirty during the rainy season, but after the rain the beauty here is very beautiful and attractive to see. Many wild animals and birds can be seen in the forests here. When some species of birds fly together over the dam, it is an attraction to see this view.

Weather and best time to visit

The view of the dam changes with the changing weather. The beauty of this place also changes. When it rains during the rainy season, the rainwater collects on this dam flowing from the mountains and forests. At that time the dam remains completely full. At that time the visit here can be the most enjoyable.

Apart from this, a beautiful view can be seen here even in winter. The water level of this dam decreases in the summer season. The main reason for this is irrigation and less rainfall. Continuous flow of water from the canal coming out of the dam can also be a major reason.

So if possible, do not come here for darshan in the summer season. In the summer season, the water in the Lamay Dam decreases by 90 percent. At that time the local farmers also face problems. The best time to visit Malay Dam is between October to February.

Water activities in Malay Dam

Fish farming

Based on the survey of the last few years in Malay Dam, it can be said that fish farming is done in large numbers on this dam. About 40 percent of the people here get employment opportunities from this. Local people are running their livelihood by doing fish farming here. More than 40 villages around can get employment from fish farming.

Boating

Boating facility is available in Malay Dam. Here tourists go to the island inside the dam by doing low boating. There are two types of boating facilities here, first, you can do paddle boating. In which a total of 6 people can do boating together. 50 rupees per person is charged for paddle boating. Second, motor boating, in which it is operated by a motor. In which 8 people can do boating together. 100 rupees per person is charged for motor boating.

Pipeline supply water

All the villages and local markets around the Malay Dam are supplied with water from this dam to the homes of the people. Which is used to fulfill their needs. The water of this dam is made drinkable by filtering it at many places.

Irrigation in fields

This Malay Dam is the main water source for the local farmers. From the water of this dam, the farmers of 27 villages of Satbarwa block area, 42 villages of the eastern area of ​​​​Medininagar Sadar block and 36 villages of Leslieganj block area get water from Malay Dam for irrigation through a paved canal. Due to which the farmers here get the opportunity to do farming throughout the year.

Places to visit near Malay Dam

• Palamu Fort, which is located about 23 kilometers from Malay Dam. Which is known as a historical heritage here.
• Betla National Park, about 19 kilometers from Malay Dam, where you can see many wild wildlife. It can be a unique place for wildlife lovers.
• Betla Jungle Safari, which is located about 20 kilometers from the dam. Here you can experience jungle safari.
• Malay Dam Toe: The state of Jharkhand almost comprises hilly terrain mostly of Chhotanagpur plateau and 30% of total area (79,714 sq km) is covered with forest.

Other Tourist attractions in Palamu District

• Batane Dam
• Bhim Chulha
• Koyal and Amanadi Milan Sthan – Singra
• Kund Waterfalls Palamu
• Koyal River Fronts Tourist Spots
• Shahpur Fort Palamu
• Malay Dam Palamu
• Kusumdaha Temple Complex
• Kechki Sangam Place
• Chiyanki Hill and Park
• Betla National Park
• Mirchiya Waterfalls
• Suga Bandh Waterfalls

Malay Dam and nearby temples

Malay Dam and nearby temples reflect the cultural and religious significance of Palamu district. The major temples near the dam here include the Sun Temple and Shiva Temple, which are a center of attraction for tourists and devotees.

Sun Temple

The Sun Temple located near Malay Dam is a major religious place. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God and thousands of devotees come here every year for worship.

The special thing about the Sun Temple is that it is a unique confluence of natural beauty and religious significance. The devotees coming here meditate and pray in a peaceful environment and receive blessings from the Sun God.

Shiva Temple

The Shiva Temple located near Malay Dam is also an important holy place. The sanctity and spiritual charm of this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva draws devotees from far and wide.

The environment near the temple is extremely calm and full of natural beauty, making it an ideal place for meditation and spirituality. Special worship and rituals are held here during Mahashivratri and other religious events, which attracts a crowd of devotees.

Local culture and folk art

The area around the Maley Dam represents the rich folk art and cultural heritage of Palamu. The folklore here has a deep connection with traditional songs, music, dances and stories, which have been going on for generations. Especially the “Sohrai” and “Jummar” dances sung by the tribal communities of Jharkhand are the cultural identity of this region.

This dance is seen during festivals, religious events and social events. The communities settled near the Maley Dam keep these traditions alive and tourists can come here and experience this folk art.

The local craftsmen here make many artistic and daily use items from bamboo, wood, and clay. Bamboo baskets, pottery and wooden decorative items are made in the rural areas of Palamu, which are not only for domestic use but are also a center of attraction for tourists.

The traditional craftsmanship here and the hard work of the local craftsmen maintain the cultural identity of this region.

Environmental Importance of Malay Dam

This dam plays an important role in preserving the water resources of the region and conserving natural resources. Along with water conservation, Malay Dam ensures a continuous supply of water to the surrounding agricultural land and vegetation, thereby providing stability to the local ecosystem.

This reservoir supplies water even in situations like drought and flood, maintaining a balance with the local climate. Due to this, the problem of water crisis in the surrounding areas has been controlled to a great extent.

Also, it strengthens water conservation efforts, which contributes to the prosperity of the region. Water obtained from the dam is used for irrigation, drinking water and other agricultural purposes, due to which agricultural activities in the area have flourished.

The combination of greenery around the dam and the reservoir is helpful in maintaining the biodiversity of the area. It is also the habitat of various species of trees, plants, birds and aquatic animals.

Due to the dam, the environment here remains green and clean, which provides natural balance to the local flora and fauna. Moreover, the availability of water through the reservoir provides continuous nourishment to the local vegetation, thereby preserving forests and jungles.

Tourism facilities

There is no accommodation facility near Malay Dam. But there are many big and small hotels in Palamu district, where you can stay at night. There is no problem of any kind for food and drink. Many shops are found in the area around the dam. You get food and drink items from them.

Adventure activities in Malay Dam

Apart from fishing, many activities are done in Malay Dam. Boating facility is available here. Here you can do trekking, hiking, camping etc. in the dense forests. There is a rural area here. You can experience the routes here with your vehicle. If you come here by bike or car, then you are definitely going to like the beauty here.

Plans for the development of Malay Dam

From time to time, the government here has been discussing this subject for the development of Malay Dam. Here the Raghuvar government got the canal paved and other works done at a cost of 175 crores in 2020. Which is important for the development of this dam.

Construction of road to reach the dam and development of the surrounding area is a way the government is doing good work for the welfare of the people. In the villages affected by the dam, construction of permanent houses and other works under many schemes is a development work.

Malay Dam and Photography

There are a total of 7 islands floating on the water of Malay Dal. Which is the main attraction here. Apart from this, there are many beautiful places on the banks of the dam for photography. Where there is a good view to click photos. No amount has to be paid for photography here.

Family Picnic in Malay Dam

There are many picnic spots in the premises of Malay Dam, where a lot of local people are seen in large numbers in the month of January. Children of many families also come here for picnic. You can come here for picnic with your friends or family. Means of entertainment for children are not available here.

Malley Dam Related Questions