Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Dec 12: Dimna Lake, a popular tourist spot in Jharkhand, attracts 80,000–90,000 visitors annually, particularly between November and March when the dam area transforms into a bustling picnic destination. Despite its national-level fame and breathtaking views, the lake is plagued by fatal negligence, lack of safety measures, and littering, raising concerns among tourists and locals alike.
Visitors, unfamiliar with the lake’s depth, often find themselves in perilous situations while bathing. Tragically, drowning incidents are not uncommon, with some youths also resorting to the lake for suicide due to depression. Vijay Kumar Mandal, a local, lamented, “Dimna Lake lacks barricading and security arrangements. Anyone can enter the lake, and it’s often too late to stop them before accidents occur.”
Adding to the chaos, reckless driving and alcohol consumption contribute to accidents. Arun Kumar, a concerned resident, shared, “People drive vehicles recklessly, even into the lake to wash them, which frequently leads to mishaps.”
The picnic areas around Dimna Lake are littered with garbage, including liquor bottles, cigarette packets, and leftover food. The absence of regular cleaning has left the surroundings unsanitary. Tapas Haldar, a local visitor, noted, “Garbage heaps are a common sight, and food packets are left behind for days, turning this beautiful spot into an eyesore.”
Locals and tourists have urged the authorities to implement safety and cleanliness measures. Murari Kumar, a frequent visitor, emphasized, “There is an urgent need for barricading, setting up temporary police posts, and ensuring strict patrolling to curb anti-social activities.” While PCR vans patrol during peak picnic seasons, it is often seen as a mere formality.
Despite its potential as a top-tier tourist attraction, Dimna Lake remains mired in safety and maintenance issues, demanding immediate intervention to safeguard lives and preserve its natural allure.
