Massanjore Dam

Massanjore Dam, also known as Canada Dam or Pearson Dam, is a major dam across the Mayurakshi River at Massanjore village in Dumka district, Jharkhand, near the Jharkhand-West Bengal border. Built between 1951 and 1955 with financial assistance from Canada under the Colombo Plan, it is notable for its large reservoir surrounded by forested hills, its role in irrigation, flood control and hydroelectric power generation, and as a popular scenic picnic and boating destination.

Visitors can expect a large reservoir formed by the Mayurakshi River set amid low forested hills and open landscapes. The dam structure offers panoramic views of the water spread, spillway gates and surrounding countryside. Areas to explore include viewpoints along the dam crest, reservoir banks and nearby hillocks. Boating is available on the reservoir, and the site is commonly used for sightseeing, photography and picnicking in a calm, natural environment.

Massanjore Dam was constructed across the Mayurakshi River between 1951 and 1955 as part of the Mayurakshi Project. It was built with financial aid from Canada under the Colombo Plan and was inaugurated in 1955 by Canadian Foreign Minister Lester B. Pearson, after whom it is also called Pearson Dam or Canada Dam. The project was designed for irrigation, flood control and hydroelectric power generation.