Getalsud Dam

Getalsud Dam, also known as Getalsud Bandh or Jalashay, is a water reservoir in Ranchi district of Jharkhand in India. It derives its name from the village where it is built. It was built to supply water to Swarnrekha Jal Vidyut Pariyojna, Sikidiri. It is officially known as Swarnrekha Bandh or Swarnrekha Dam. Getalsud is situated 32 kilometres away from Ranchi on the Ranchi - Hundru Falls route.

Getalsud dam is worth visiting for two reasons - the first is to see the beauty of the dam which is at best at the time of sunset, and the second is to see the dam itself. It is the largest dam in Ranchi district. It is from this dam at Rukka, drinking water is also supplied to Ranchi town. Getalsud is in Angara block and the other flank is bordered by Ormanjhi block of Ranchi district. From the dam, hills and jungles are visible in the northern side. The beauty of the place is such that it was once considered to be the best place for establishement of the capital of Jharkhand. However, the propasal was abandoned for political and other unspecified reasons. According to one of the opinion reported in local newspapers, the capital here, if built, would have been one of the most beautiful capitals of the world. Therefore, one should not forget to see the beauty of the place. The dam is worth visiting from the above all along the road from Gandhi Gram to Intake Inspection Bungalow (IB). The IB is now non - existent and the road of the dam (the earthen and cemented works) is poorly maintained. So, one is advised to bypass Gandhigram and directly go to Getalsud. There, one can see the dam from the roads above and below. One can go through the road on the dam upto the IB while the road below ends at the foot of the spillway of the dam. There are seven gates on the spillway, which are opened if needed during rainy season.

This Dam is built on Swarnrekha river. The stored water is regularly supplied to Swarnrekha Hydel Project, Sikidiri through a canal built at Intake gate. There are three gates here to release water for hydro - electricity generation. Getalsud is one of the best place to see how public sector enterprises are being destroyed in India by a handful of vested interests. Where once stood the world famous Nalanda Ceramics factory , which was built in collaboration with Japan. It remained a barren field full of shrubs and debris after ruins for many year. The land is however allotted to another company that makes iron furniture.

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