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Getalsud Dam
Getalsud Dam
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Getalsud Dam is an artificial reservoir situated in Ormanjhi, Ranchi, Jharkhand. It was constructed across the Subarnarekha River and was opened in 1971. It is a popular picnic spot for the residents of Ranchi and Ramgarh District. The dam provides a small-scale fishing opportunity to the local people of Rukka. The main purpose of the dam is to fulfill the drinking water requirements of the residents of Ranchi. Apart from that, it is used for industrial purposes and generating electricity.

Key Information

Geography

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Map
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17km
10.6miles
W
E
S
T
B
E
N
G
A
L
H
Khukhragarh
H Khukhragarh (H)
H Khukhragarh (H)
R
Sikidiri
R Sikidiri (R)
R Sikidiri (R)
R
Pithuriya
R Pithuriya (R)
R Pithuriya (R)
R
Narkopi
R Narkopi (R)
R Narkopi (R)
0
CCL North
Karanpura Area
0 North Karanpura Area
0 North Karanpura Area
m
Koel
River
l
Damodar
River
k
Bhairavi
River
j
Karkari
River
i
Kanchi
River
h
Raru
River
g
Subarnarekha
River
D
Getalsud
Dam
T
Dassam Falls
T Dassam Falls (T)
T Dassam Falls (T)
T
Jonha Falls
T Jonha Falls (T)
T Jonha Falls (T)
T
Hundru
Falls
T Hundru Falls (T)
T Hundru Falls (T)
CT
Tundul
CT Tundul (CT)
CT Tundul (CT)
CT
Tati
CT Tati, Ranchi (CT)
CT Tati, Ranchi (CT)
CT
Ray
CT Ray, Jharkhand (CT)
CT Ray, Jharkhand (CT)
CT
Ratu
CT Ratu, Ranchi (CT)
CT Ratu, Ranchi (CT)
N
Namkum
N Namkum, Ranchi (N)
N Namkum, Ranchi (N)
CT
Muri
CT Muri, Ranchi (CT)
CT Muri, Ranchi (CT)
CT
Khelari
CT Khelari (CT)
CT Khelari (CT)
CT
Kanke
CT Kanke (CT)
CT Kanke (CT)
CT
Irba
CT Irba (CT)
CT Irba (CT)
CT
Churi
CT Churi (CT)
CT Churi (CT)
CT
Bishrampur
CT Bishrampur, Jharkhand (CT)
CT Bishrampur, Jharkhand (CT)
CT
Bargarwa
CT Bargarwa (CT)
CT Bargarwa (CT)
CT
Arsande
CT Arsande (CT)
CT Arsande (CT)
CT
Ara
CT Ara, Ranchi (CT)
CT Ara, Ranchi (CT)
M
Bundu
M Bundu, India (M)
M Bundu, India (M)
M
Ranchi
M Ranchi (M)
M Ranchi (M)
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Hatia
R Hatia (R)
R Hatia (R)
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Tamar
R Tamar, India (R)
R Tamar, India (R)
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Sonahatu
R Sonahatu (R)
R Sonahatu (R)
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Silli
R Silli (R)
R Silli (R)
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Rahe
R Rahe, Jharkhand (R)
R Rahe, Jharkhand (R)
R
Ormanjhi
R Ormanjhi (R)
R Ormanjhi (R)
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Nagri
R Nagri, Jharkhand (R)
R Nagri, Jharkhand (R)
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Mesra
R Mesra, Ranchi (R)
R Mesra, Ranchi (R)
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Mandar
R Mandar, Ranchi (R)
R Mandar, Ranchi (R)
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Lapung
R Lapung (R)
R Lapung (R)
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Itki
R Itki, India (R)
R Itki, India (R)
R
Dakra
R Dakra, Ranchi (R)
R Dakra, Ranchi (R)
R
Chutupalu
R Chutupalu (R)
R Chutupalu (R)
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Chanho
R Chanho (R)
R Chanho (R)
R
Burmu
R Burmu (R)
R Burmu (R)
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Bero
R Bero, India (R)
R Bero, India (R)
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Balsokra
R Balsokra (R)
R Balsokra (R)
R
Angara
R Angara, Jharkhand (R)
R Angara, Jharkhand (R)
Cities, towns and locations in Ranchi district in South Chotanagpur Division
M: municipality, CT: census town, R: rural/ urban centre, N: neighbourhood, T: tourist centre, D: dam, H: historical/ religious centre
Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly

Location

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Way to Getalsud Dam

The dam is located on the north-eastern edge of Chota Nagpur Plateau. It is situated in Rukka Block, because of which it is locally known as Rukka Dam. The Getalsud Dam is around 35 km from Ranchi and around 30 km from Ramgarh.

Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the district. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.

Overview

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Sunset across Getalsud Dam

The Getalsud Dam is located on the Subarnarekha River. The reservoir, with a catchment area of 717 km2, has a full reservoir level of 1,954 ft. It has gross storage capacity of 288.76 million cubic meters (MCM)[2] It was envisaged to meet the drinking water demands of Ranchi city as well as industrial requirements of Heavy Engineering Corporation Ltd at Hatia and other factories. The power generation from the Getalsud Dam is stopped once the level reaches to 1917 ft to ensure that sufficient water is available for drinking purposes.[3] The nearby areas to dam are also user for picnic spot by the people of Ranchi and Ramghar. Also you can find a huge rush during the time of New Year and Chhath.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Getalsud Dam, locally known as Rukka Dam, is an and artificial situated in the Ormanjhi block of , , , approximately 35 kilometers northwest of city and 30 kilometers from Ramgarh. Constructed across the and completed in 1971 by the Water Resources Department of the (the region now part of ), it serves as a vital multi-purpose structure primarily designed to provide to , while also supporting irrigation, industrial , and hydroelectric power generation with an installed capacity of 130 MW (though limited and intermittent to prioritize water supply). The dam's reservoir has a catchment area of 725 square kilometers and a gross storage capacity of 10,193 million cubic feet (approximately 288.63 million cubic meters), enabling it to meet the water needs of nearly 80% of Ranchi city's households, particularly during dry seasons. Positioned at coordinates 23°27’25”N, 85°32’33”E in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, the structure is strategically located near major roads including National Highway 20 and State Highway 1, facilitating accessibility for maintenance and local communities. Its waters also support small-scale fishing activities for over 100 families in nearby villages, contributing to the livelihoods of Scheduled Tribe populations in this scheduled area under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. Beyond its utilitarian roles, Getalsud Dam has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its serene landscapes, scenic views of the surrounded by forested hills, and opportunities for and picnicking, especially during the monsoon season when water levels peak. In recent years, the site has gained attention for initiatives, including a 100 MW floating solar photovoltaic plant under construction, expected to be operational by 2026, covering 172 hectares (approximately 9% of the average surface area), aimed at generating clean energy without requiring additional land acquisition and integrating with the existing 132 kV transmission infrastructure to the nearby Irba grid substation. This project, classified under Category B by international standards, includes measures for livelihood restoration among affected fishermen through compensation and local employment priorities.

Geography

Location

The Getalsud Dam is situated at geographical coordinates 23°27′25″N 85°32′33″E. It lies within the Ormanjhi block of in the state of , . The dam is positioned approximately 35 km northeast of city center and about 30 km southeast of Ramgarh, placing it in a convenient for regional . Access to the site is primarily via National Highway 20 from , involving a right turn at Ormanjhi followed by a 25 km drive along well-maintained local roads. The surrounding terrain features the undulating landscape of the , characterized by nearby forested areas and hilly elevations that contribute to the site's scenic appeal.

River Basin

The Getalsud Dam impounds the , a significant eastward-flowing originating near Nagri village in , , at an elevation of around 600 meters above . The river courses through the region before traversing the states of , , and , ultimately discharging into the after a journey of approximately 395 kilometers. This path supports diverse ecosystems and human settlements along its banks, with the upper reaches characterized by undulating terrain that influences and . The Basin, of which the dam forms a key component, encompasses roughly 19,300 square kilometers across its three host states, with accounting for the largest share at over 68 percent of the total area. The basin's hydrology is shaped by its position within the eastern Indian peninsular drainage system, featuring a network of tributaries such as the Kharkai and Kanchi that contribute to the main stem's volume. Upstream of the Getalsud , the specific measures 725 square kilometers, capturing runoff from forested and agricultural uplands that feed into the impoundment. This localized drainage zone is integral to the dam's inflow dynamics, reflecting the basin's overall moderate size compared to larger Indian river systems. Geologically, the dam site lies on the northeastern margin of the , a shield terrain dominated by coarse-grained granite gneisses, migmatites, and associated metamorphic rocks of age. These formations, including phyllites and occasional , provide a stable yet fractured foundation that affects seepage and structural integrity at the location. The plateau's elevated, dissected landscape contributes to rapid during events. The river's flow regime is highly seasonal, reliant on the southwest from to , which delivers intense rainfall and elevates discharges to peak levels, often resulting in flooding across the basin's lower reaches and floodplains. In contrast, the post-monsoon and winter months see diminished flows, with the river becoming intermittent in upstream sections due to its rainfed nature.

History

Planning and Construction

The Getalsud Dam was developed as part of the Subarnarekha Hydroelectric Project, a multi-purpose initiative designed to harness the for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and drinking water supply in the region. The project was planned and constructed under the authority of the Irrigation Department, responsible for and associated in the undivided state during that period. Land acquisition for the project displaced local communities, with compensation awards issued under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, leading to legal proceedings in the 1970s. Following 's formation in 2000, ownership and operations of the dam transferred to the Jharkhand Water Resources Department, while hydroelectric operations transferred to the . Geotechnical investigations were conducted during the construction phase to evaluate foundation conditions and ensure structural stability based on the local geology of the . These studies, documented in reports by the , informed engineering decisions for the dam's composite design, selected to suit the site's topographic and geological features for effective water impoundment. Major construction works commenced in the late , with the main dam structure—a composite type approximately 35.4 meters high—completed by 1971. Planning emphasized balancing the dam's roles in power production, agricultural , and urban water needs, while addressing site-specific challenges in the plateau terrain, including geological variability and integration of multiple project objectives.

Commissioning and Early Development

The Getalsud Dam was officially commissioned in 1971, completing the construction of the multipurpose project across the and enabling the formation of the reservoir. This marked the initial impoundment of water, with the first full reservoir level achieved that same year as storage capacity reached its designed gross volume of 288.5 million cubic meters. The dam's early operations focused on fulfilling its primary objectives of , , and generation, under the management of the Irrigation Department. Following the state's formation in 2000, management transferred to the Water Resources Department. Shortly after commissioning, facilities were brought online through a dedicated power channel extending to the Sikidri Power House, located about 20 km downstream from the dam. By the early 1970s, the installation of two 65 MW turbines at the Sikidri facility established a total installed capacity of 130 MW, utilizing water released from the to generate for regional needs. Concurrently, systems were developed to deliver potable water to city and industrial water to facilities such as the at , addressing immediate urban and manufacturing demands in the area. Initial irrigation allocations were also implemented in the early development phase, supporting agricultural areas in and Singhbhum districts by diverting water to enhance crop production in the rain-fed regions. However, early operations revealed challenges with , with reports from the 1970s noting accelerated silt deposition due to upstream , which began reducing storage efficiency from the outset of impoundment. Subsequent analyses confirmed that within the first decades, the experienced losses of up to 24% of its gross storage capacity from accumulation.

Design and Specifications

Structural Features

The Getalsud Dam is an earthen that relies on its mass to resist the pressure of the impounded , a design common for structures in the region's . Constructed primarily with earthen materials compacted for stability, the dam features a spillway section to handle overflow, ensuring structural integrity during high flows. The dam stands at a height of 118 ft (36.1 ) above its foundation, providing sufficient elevation for water retention in the basin. Its total length measures 3,800 , encompassing the main body, spillways, and abutments to form a continuous barrier across the valley. The crest, with a width of 7.62 , supports a that facilitates vehicular access and maintenance operations along the top of the structure. Key engineering components include a designed for flood control, capable of discharging up to 8,500 cubic meters per second through seven radial gates to prevent overtopping during monsoons. Power intake structures draw water from the and connect to a discharge channel with a capacity of 56.70 cubic meters per second, directing flow toward downstream hydropower facilities while minimizing . The foundation rests on coarse-grained rock types, such as and , characteristic of the geology in the , which provides a stable base resistant to settlement. Safety features incorporate provisions to withstand seismic activity in the region, classified under low to moderate seismic zone II, with the massive structure and foundation anchoring contributing to its resilience against earthquakes. The crest road also enables routine inspections and repairs, enhancing long-term operational safety.

Reservoir Details

The Getalsud Reservoir is an artificial lake formed by the impoundment of the through the construction of the Getalsud Dam in , , . Locally known as Getalsud Reservoir, it serves as a key water storage facility supporting regional water needs. The has a gross storage capacity of 288.76 million cubic meters (10,200 million cubic feet), with a live storage of 218 million cubic meters. Its full level (FRL) is at 595.70 meters (1,954 feet) above mean , while the minimum operating level for generation is maintained at 584 meters (1,917 feet) to prioritize water availability for other uses. At full capacity, the covers a maximum surface area of 3,459 hectares. Sedimentation poses a significant challenge, with studies indicating ongoing from upstream , leading to an estimated 24% loss of gross storage capacity over the first 100 years of operation and potentially rendering the obsolete by the year 2500 without intervention. A 2001 sedimentation survey found no immediate alarming capacity reduction but recommended vegetation management to mitigate further buildup. As of 2012, the Water Resources Department of proposed operations to restore storage capacity, with plans forwarded for desilting to address accumulation. Water quality in the is primarily managed to support potable and industrial applications, with routine monitoring of basin inflows for key parameters including , dissolved oxygen (typically 6-7 mg/L), , and (420-467 mg/L), ensuring compliance with standards for designated uses.

Operations and Uses

Water Supply and Irrigation

The Getalsud Dam serves as a primary source of drinking water for city and its surrounding areas in , , catering to a population exceeding 1.5 million residents through coordinated supplies from the reservoir alongside other local dams. The water is drawn from the Subarnarekha River reservoir and treated before distribution, ensuring reliable access during both and dry seasons to meet urban domestic needs. In addition to municipal supply, the dam provides essential water for industrial uses, particularly to the Ltd. at and various ancillary industries in the region, supporting manufacturing and operational requirements. This allocation underscores the dam's role in fostering economic activities by delivering consistent volumes via dedicated pipelines connected to industrial zones. For agricultural purposes, the dam facilitates across and adjacent districts through a network of canals and controlled releases, enabling cultivation on approximately 5,736 hectares of land, especially during dry periods to enhance and rural livelihoods. These releases are managed based on seasonal demands and storage levels to optimize benefits while maintaining ecological balance. The overall distribution system integrates pipelines leading to urban treatment plants for potable and open channels extending to farmland, ensuring efficient conveyance from the to end-users without significant losses. Management emphasizes non-power uses, with protocols favoring supply and to address regional priorities.

Hydropower Generation

The generation at Getalsud is facilitated by the Swarn Rekha Hydel Power Project, featuring an installed capacity of 130 MW from two 65 MW turbines. The Sikidri Power House, situated approximately 20 km downstream of the dam, receives through a dedicated power channel with a discharge capacity of 56.70 m³/s via three reinforced cement barrels. As a peak-load facility, the power house operates intermittently, typically for 3-4 hours per day, with influenced by variable inflows and the dam's primary role in providing for drinking and purposes. Output halts or reduces during periods of low levels to prioritize non-power uses, resulting in a normative annual plant of around 50% rather than the standard 75% for similar projects. This leads to fluctuating energy production, with historical annual ranging from 30 MU to 190 MU depending on availability and rainfall patterns. The generated electricity contributes to 's state grid, supplying power to the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) under scheduled agreements, though actual delivery varies annually due to hydrological constraints and silting. Recent proposals aim to enhance the site's potential through integration with a 100 MW floating solar photovoltaic (PV) plant on the surface, a project awarded to by the (SECI) in 2024, with construction underway as of 2025. This project, covering about 200 hectares (8% of the surface), is aimed at generating clean without requiring additional land acquisition and integrating with the existing 132 kV transmission infrastructure to the nearby Irba grid substation.

Additional Utilizations

The Getalsud Dam supports small-scale activities that provide a vital source for local communities in the surrounding areas, such as Rukka village. Local fishers engage in both commercial and , utilizing the water body for catching species like and , which are sold in nearby markets at rates around Rs. 120 per kg. The dam site holds significant potential, serving as a popular spot for picnics and amid scenic plateau views, though infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Visitors from and Ramgarh districts frequently use the open spaces around the for family outings and leisurely rides, with motorboats available for short excursions. Efforts to enhance this include proposed developments like walking trails, gardens, and amusement facilities on adjacent land, aimed at boosting visitor footfall beyond daytime picnics. The reservoir facilitates environmental monitoring efforts focused on sedimentation and water quality within the Subarnarekha River basin, contributing to assessments under the broader Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project. Studies have documented significant accumulation, leading to losses of up to 60% of dead storage, 13% of live storage, and 24% of gross storage capacity over the first century of operation, with ongoing hydrological observations by the tracking silt levels and basin-wide water parameters. These monitoring activities, including regular sampling for physio-chemical properties, help evaluate the reservoir's long-term and inform . Future developments emphasize expanding through farming initiatives and promoting eco-tourism as part of Jharkhand's sustainable growth strategies. culture at the reservoir, initiated in 2012-13, has installed 365 units stocking 25 fingerlings annually, yielding 3-4 tons per and generating over Rs. 4 in yearly profits per for societies from 16 villages, with plans to scale up across major dams under schemes like . Eco-tourism enhancements include integrating Getalsud into the Chandil-Dalma-Mirchaiya-Getalsud eco-circuit, featuring rest houses and water sports to connect natural sites while fostering economic incentives for investors.

Environmental and Social Aspects

Ecological Impacts

The construction of the Getalsud Dam in 1971 led to the inundation of approximately 1,870 hectares of land along the , altering riparian and aquatic habitats within the , a recognized characterized by diverse tropical dry deciduous forests and associated . This reservoir formation submerged sections of forested and agricultural areas, disrupting connectivity for terrestrial species and converting flowing riverine ecosystems into lentic environments, which has long-term implications for local flora such as submerged aquatic plants and riparian vegetation. Sedimentation in the Getalsud Reservoir, driven by the high silt load from the 725 km² catchment area in the erosion-prone lateritic soils of the Subarnarekha basin, has resulted in significant capacity reductions, with estimates indicating a loss of 60% of dead storage, 13% of live storage, and 24% of gross storage over the first 100 years of operation. This equates to an average annual siltation rate of approximately 0.24% for gross storage, contributing to elevated total suspended solids (TSS) levels ranging from 18 to 84 mg/L, impairing water clarity and quality, which in turn exacerbates downstream erosion in the Subarnarekha River and affects sediment-dependent aquatic habitats. The degraded water quality, with average conditions classified as poor due to increased turbidity, poses risks to oxygen levels and nutrient dynamics essential for the riverine ecosystem. Biodiversity in the reservoir and surrounding areas has undergone notable shifts following impoundment, with the alteration of flow regimes leading to the displacement of rheophilic (flow-dependent) fish such as Bagarius bagarius and Glyptothorax saisii, which rely on the Subarnarekha's upper reaches for spawning and foraging. The now supports a community of 29 fish , but the lentic conditions have favored lentic-adapted while reducing diversity in riparian habitats through and reduced seasonal flooding. Although no introductions are directly attributed to the dam in available studies, the stagnant waters have created conditions conducive to opportunistic colonization, potentially altering (19 ) and (13 ) compositions that form the base of the aquatic . To address sedimentation and its ecological repercussions, the Water Resources Department of proposed desilting operations in , estimated at Rs 1-2 , aimed at restoring storage capacity and improving downstream flow regimes to mitigate impacts on the Subarnarekha. Ongoing mitigation includes regular water quality monitoring by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board and at multiple sites, focusing on parameters like dissolved oxygen (5.1-6.9 mg/L), pH (7.4-8.2), and to ensure compliance with standards (IS 2296 Class B-E). Additional measures encompass vegetation management to control inflow and safeguards, such as limiting disturbances during construction activities near the to protect vulnerable feeding grounds. The proposed 100 MW photovoltaic (FSPV) plant on the , in pre-construction as of 2025, may have moderate ecological impacts, including reduced light penetration affecting and habitats, potential glare for birds, and temporary disruptions during installation. includes ecological monitoring, bird deflectors on transmission lines, and ensuring water depth >2 m for panel placement to minimize reduction effects. The Getalsud Dam contributes to in the region through its flood control capabilities, with a design spillway capacity of 8,500 cumecs exceeding the probable maximum flood peak of 7,004 cumecs, helping to regulate discharges in the Subarnarekha basin and reduce downstream inundation risks. However, the reservoir's efficacy is vulnerable to shifting rainfall patterns, with annual precipitation averaging 1,424 mm showing increased variability due to , potentially exacerbating during intense while straining storage during drier periods. This dynamic underscores the need for to maintain ecological balance amid evolving basin .

Recreational and Cultural Significance

The Getalsud Dam serves as a prominent recreational destination in , particularly as a popular picnic spot that draws families and visitors from nearby for day trips, offering open spaces amid scenic hills and forests for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. activities, including short engine boat rides on the , provide additional leisure options, while the tranquil waters support as a small-scale recreational pursuit for locals and tourists alike. These activities contribute to the dam's appeal as a serene escape, integrated into Jharkhand's broader landscape of natural sites. Locally known as Rukka Dam, the site holds cultural significance within the Ormanjhi region, reflecting community ties to the reservoir's role in daily life and regional heritage narratives. It supports local communities through cooperatives, where members from surrounding villages engage in cage culture practices, fostering small-scale and economic participation without overshadowing its leisure functions. Occasional events tied to Jharkhand's calendar, such as nature-based gatherings, occasionally feature the as a venue, enhancing its place in local . Accessibility to the dam is facilitated by a road along its crest, allowing vehicle entry approximately 35 kilometers from , with basic viewpoints available for visitors despite limited on-site infrastructure. Preservation initiatives promote the area as an eco-tourism site, particularly through its proximity to protected natural zones like the Birsa Zoological Park, aiming to harmonize recreational use with environmental safeguards.

References

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