Panchkhero Dam in Koderma is a confluence of natural beauty and tranquility, charming spot, which is an ideal destination for picnic, boating and nature lovers.
Introduction
The Panchkhero Dam is situated on the Panchkhero River in Markacho Block of Koderma District in Jharkhand State. This dam is called by different names by the local people. Some call it Gurhan Dam, some call it Machkhero, Markacho, and some call it Panchkhero Dam.
The main reason for this is the confluence of a total of five rivers here. The confluence of Domukhani Dham River, Panchkhero River, Bandi River, Jharna Kund and the tributary of Barakar has taken place. This dam is 19.25 meters high and 2290 meters long.
It is said that Panchkhero Dam is spread over a radius of about 12 kilometers. This dam is situated at a distance of about 50 kilometers from the Koderma District Headquarters in Markacho Block and Rajdhanwar Block of Giridih District.
The construction work of this dam was completed in 2013-14 to fulfill the irrigation needs of both these blocks. The total cost of construction of Parakacho Dam was around Rs. 75.69 crores.
Brief introduction of Panchkhero Dam
Panchkhero Dam is located at a distance of 2 km from Markacho market. It is 50 km from Koderma district headquarters. A road has been constructed to reach here. Fish farming, irrigation, boating, picnic etc. are carried out in this dam.
The main purpose of building the dam here is to use water for irrigation and to fulfill the needs of Parakacho block and Rajdhanwar block.
Fish farming
Many local unemployed youths have built cage houses for fish farming in this dam. In which they rear their favorite fish. Inquiry revealed that about 7 to 8 quintals of fish are caught daily in Panchkhero Dam. Which is sold in the local market as employment.
Irrigation
The water of Panchkhero Dam is used by the local residents and farmers of the nearby villages for farming. The people of the villages situated in contact with the rivers use the water from the canal and small and big rivers flowing from here.
Due to which the surrounding areas can see greenery of crops throughout the year. The local people here do farming throughout the year. These crops include rice, pulses, grains etc.
Boating
Many local youths who used to go abroad in search of work are now earning their livelihood by providing boating facilities here. The boating charge for each person is Rs. 100. People who come here like boating the most because Lord Shiva’s temple is situated in the water of Panchkhero Dam.
This temple is submerged in water. The upper part of this temple is visible. People go boating here to see it. Only five people are taken for boating at a time. This is done by following the safety rules.
Picnic
It is said that people from Hazaribagh, Koderma and Giridih districts also come to Panchkhero Dam for picnics. People bring music and flowers as entertainment for picnics and fun activities. On 1st January people from nearby and far off places come here for picnic. They cook food here and eat and drink and then leave in the evening.
History of Panchkhero Dam
The history of Panchkhero Dam is from 1980 to 2013-14. The foundation stone of the dam was first laid by the then Chief Minister of Bihar, Chandrashekhar Prasad, for the construction of the dam on the Panchkhero River in Markacho of Koderma district.
About 4.69 crores were fixed for the construction of this dam. This was done to meet the irrigation requirement of about 6 hectares of cultivable land of Markacho and Rajdhanwar blocks.
To complete this project, the working engineer of Barhi of Jalpath Division said in 1980 that the target has been set to complete this project by 2012. Which was amended in 1983 and its amount was increased from 4.69 to 4.40 crores.
In the year 1987, this amount was again increased to 8.68 crores in 1989 in view of inflation. Even after this, many hurdles started coming in this project due to which its amount was again revised to 32.28 crores in 1996. Time passed but there was no progress in the work of the dam.
In 2010, this amount increased to 75.69 crores. The dam was completely built in 2013-14. A village was also displaced in the construction of this dam. This village was getting submerged by the water of the dam.
All the people whose land and houses got submerged in the dam were given compensation by the government. There used to be a temple in the same village. Today, while boating, one can go there and see the upper part of the temple.
Geography and geographical features
Greenery can be seen all around Panchkhero Dam. Here, especially during the farming season, greenery can be seen in the local hills and the area around the dam. These are the trees and plants waving in the fields. To overcome the shortage of water, water is being supplied to the local city through a pipeline.
Due to which the local people here can use this dam to overcome the shortage of water in their homes. There is a confluence of a total of five rivers here. The water of this dam keeps flowing in these rivers continuously.
In summer, the water level decreases due to the overflow of water due to drying up of the water of the dam. At that time the flow of water in the rivers stops. The rivers appear dry. Apart from this, it fulfills the shortage of water throughout the year. Many dead trees can be seen inside the water of the dam. These dry trees are many years old.
Environmental impact
Due to the presence of Panchkhero Dam, you get to see beautiful views all around here. The climate here is normal. The heat increases a bit during the summer days, due to which the water level in the dam also starts decreasing.
Lush green trees and plants can be seen in the forests and mountains around the dam. There is a lot of rain here during the rainy season. At that time the dam is completely filled. The main reason for this is also the water coming from the five rivers found here.
During the winter season, the cold increases around the Panchkhero Dam. Cold wind keeps blowing here throughout the year. Which starts being felt as soon as you come to the banks of the dam. This dam plays an important role in environmental balance here. This is the reason that a lot of domestic animals can be seen in the villages here.
Major attractions
This dam is not only a must-see destination for tourists but also a must-see destination. Tourists come here to enjoy boating. They can also visit the temple of Lord Shiva situated under water.
Apart from this, people come to enjoy picnics at the cage house floating on water. People come here to enjoy the beautiful environment. Many people come here to party, have fun and spend time.
Road and Transportation
The road route is the best for visiting Panchkhero Dam. It is easily accessible by road. It is about 50 km from Koderma Jail Headquarters. Koderma district can be reached by rail, air and road.
Accommodation and Restaurants
Markacho market is located at a distance of 2 km from the dam. Where you can shop. All the facilities of accommodation and food are available in this market. Many small and big shops are located in this Markacho market. Apart from this, there are many big hotels in Koderma. Which can also be booked online.
Security and Rescue Services
Talking about security, this place is completely safe. The people of the villages around here are completely peaceful people. It is said that if anything happens here around the dam, then the local people here solve that problem at the same time.
The people here never hesitate in helping the tourists. They do as much as they can and do not discriminate against anyone with a clean heart. They like to live in harmony with everyone. Talking about the danger in the dam, you can take care of your safety there using your own discretion.
Economic impact and employment
If seen, Panchkhero dam has actually provided employment opportunities to the local people. Earlier, the local people used to go to other countries in search of work. After the construction of this dam, all those people started fish farming here.
Some are running their households by opening small shops. Some are living a happy life by growing crops in the fields near this dam. This dam acts as a life-giving reservoir for the people here. Crops are cultivated here throughout the year.
The main purpose of building Panchkhero dam is water conservation, use of water, promotion of agricultural work, removal of water shortage. In today’s time, the water of this dam is also used in homes. Due to which the residents here are getting economic benefits.
Challenges of Panchkhero Dam
If you come here in the summer season, then many types of problems can arise. As due to sunlight, the water level of the dam falls down here. Due to which there can be some difficulty in seeing the beautiful valleys here. The flowing water is visible in the river.
The flow of water in the rivers cannot be seen. The view here looks very beautiful due to the overflow of the dam water. Boating can also be less fun. Apart from this, you can enjoy all the things by coming here in any other season.
This dam is completely filled in the rainy season. Only water is visible far and wide. The best way to come here is by road. Vehicles are available on rent from the district market to come here.
Other dams and reservoirs
Apart from Panchkhero Dam, Tilaiya Dam is present in Koderma district. Which is located at a distance of about 40 kilometers from this dam. Both these dams are famous water conservation dams of Koderma district.
Both these dams have been built to control the water. So that the local people can get benefit from it and the environmental balance here remains.
Best time to visit
If you want to visit Panchkhero Dam, then it is best to come during the rainy season. Or else, come here on 1st January. On 1st January, people come here in large numbers to enjoy picnics. Apart from this, you can come here from October to February.
There is no problem in coming here by car or bike. Small markets can be seen at many places. You can eat breakfast, water etc. here. The popular local dishes here are litti-chokha, dhuska, pitha, rice and dal, sidki kadhi, dhuska, puri etc. Which are available to eat and drink at many shops.
Read this also:
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Some questions related to Panchkhero Dam
1. When was Panchkhero Dam established?
The construction of Panchkhero Dam was completed in 2013-14.
2. Where is Panchkhero Dam located?
It is built on Panchkhero River in Markacho block of Koderma district in Jharkhand state. Five rivers meet here.
3. Is boating facility available in Panchkhero Dam?
Yes, boating facility is available in Panchkhero Dam.
4. Which are the places worth visiting around Panchkhero Dam?
Jhumri Telaiya, Radha Krishna Mandir, Maa Chanchala Devi Mandir, Ghodsimar Dhaam and Telaiya dam.
5. What is the main use of the water of Panchkhero Dam?
Use in agriculture work, fish farming, removing the lack of water in local homes.