Dimna Lake: Jamshedpur’s Historic Water Reservoir

Dimna Lake

Context

Dimna Lake, a major reservoir near Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, was among 25 Indian lakes after which spectator galleries were named during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, New Delhi.

About Dimna Lake

  1. Location: It is an artificial reservoir situated at the foothills of the Dalma Hills.
  2. Developer: Tata Steel developed the reservoir under the Dimna Nala Water Supply Scheme to meet the long-term water needs of the growing industrial city.
  3. Construction: Work began in February 1940 and was completed in 1944.
  4. Storage Capacity: The reservoir was designed with a capacity of about 7,500 million gallons.

Geographical and Ecological Features

  1. The reservoir forms part of the Dimna Nala water-supply system, drawing on the rain-fed catchments around the Dalma Hills.
  2. It is located close to the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and is surrounded by forested areas, giving the lake wider ecological significance.
  3. Subarnarekha River: Dimna is a separate reservoir from the Subarnarekha. The reservoir was developed as a supplementary water-storage facility for periods when water levels in the Subarnarekha are low.

FAQs

  1. Where is Dimna Lake located?

Dimna Lake is located near Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, at the foothills of the Dalma Hills.

  1. Is Dimna Lake natural or artificial?

It is an artificial reservoir developed by Tata Steel under the Dimna Nala Water Supply Scheme.

  1. When was Dimna Lake completed?

Construction began in February 1940 and was completed in 1944. Water was first supplied to Jamshedpur on 17 April 1944.

  1. What is the storage capacity of Dimna Lake?

The reservoir was designed with a storage capacity of approximately 7,500 million gallons.

  1. Is Dimna Lake part of the Subarnarekha River?

No. Dimna is a separate reservoir. It was developed as a water-storage facility associated with the Dimna Nala system, while the Subarnarekha serves as another important water source for Jamshedpur.

  1. Which protected area is located near Dimna Lake?

The Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to the lake.

  1. Why is Dimna Lake important?

It is significant for Jamshedpur’s water security, as well as for its ecological, recreational and historical value.