Tilaiya Dam

Tilaiya Dam is the first dam built by the Damodar Valley Corporation across the Barakar River near Chandwara in Koderma district, Jharkhand. Completed in 1953, it was constructed for flood control, irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The dam creates a large reservoir surrounded by hills and forests, offering scenic views. It is a popular picnic and sightseeing spot known for boating, photography and tranquil natural surroundings.

Visitors can expect a large concrete dam and expansive reservoir on the Barakar River surrounded by low hills and forested landscape. The site offers panoramic views of the water body, a dam wall and spillway, boating area, and open spaces for picnicking and photography. The environment is calm and scenic, with opportunities for leisurely walks along the reservoir, birdwatching, and viewing the hydroelectric infrastructure from designated viewpoints.

Tilaiya Dam was the first of the four multipurpose dams built by the Damodar Valley Corporation, established in 1948 on the model of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Constructed across the Barakar River and completed in 1953, it was built for flood control in the Damodar Valley, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation with an installed capacity of 4 MW.