The scenic Maithon dam on Barakar river of Dhanbad is all set for a new look as ongoing renovation work, being carried out under a World Bank funded project is likely to be completed by the year end.
Chief engineer (civil) of Damodar Valley Corporation Satyabrat Banerjee said work at Maithon was almost complete, and that the remaining work would be completed in the next few months.
“Beautification of the pond will also be carried out, besides strengthening pillars, etc,” Banerjee toold The Telegraph Online, adding that renovation work of Panchet and Konar dams of DV, also funded by the World Bank, were nearing completion.
The renovation of Maithon Dam, along with 249 other dams, is to be carried out under the supervision Central Dam Safety Organisation of Central Water Commission under DRIP project to ensure their safety, given that all the dams are 25 years old.
The Maithon renovation worth Rs 60 crore is being carried out under the aegis of the World Bank’s Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project. It was meant to be an 18-month project that began in 2017. However, it has been delayed and is likely to be completed by the end of 2020 as most of the major work, like pillar strengthening and soil protection using the boulders, has already been done.
The spruced-up road on the Maithon Dam in Dhanbad. Gautam Dey
DVC Maithon PRO Apurba Saha said, “The road on dam has been repaired towards the Jharkhand end, while work on some parts of the road towards Bengal is pending. This will be completed soon as work is under progress.”
Situated about 48km from Dhanbad district headquarters, the major attractions of Maithon are the 15,712 feet long and 165 feet high dam over Barakar river and the lake spread over 65 sq km.
Boating around several islands in the lake, including Sabuj Deep and Chamoch Deep, is a popular draw for tourists. Maa Kalyaneshwari Temple of Maithon, less than 100 metre from the dam, is another centre of attraction.
This apart the lake is home to at least 35 species of migratory birds. Shatabdi Park near the dam is opened for visitors every year during January 1. It is also very popular among visitors who come from various parts of Jharkhand and Bengal.
