The 1957 Bada Talab of Ranchi’s Capital and Today’s Vivekananda Sarovar: A Rare Comparative Photograph
Capital’s Historic Bada Talab in Crisis: Built by Prisoners 175 Years Ago, Adorned by the Palkot King; Today a Victim of Encroachment and Toxic Water
Ranchi:
Despite its 175-year-old legacy, Bada Talab—considered the heart and identity of Jharkhand’s capital—today is fighting for its very existence. Spread over nearly 52 acres, this historic water body, once a defining landmark of the city, has fallen prey to pollution, rampant encroachment, and prolonged administrative neglect.
⏳British-Era Foundation and an Engineering Marvel
The story of this massive lake dates back to the British period. Its construction began in 1842 under British officer Colonel Onseley. Historical records suggest that prisoners were engaged to complete this challenging project. The engineering of the lake is so robust that even during extreme summers—when other water bodies in Ranchi dry up—it continues to remain full, standing testimony to its durable construction.
👑 Cultural Imprint of the Palkot State
At the time of its construction, Ranchi was under the Palkot State. Palkot King Jagarnath Shahdeo and his brother Kunwar Srinath Shahdeo developed a grand ghat and buildings along the lake’s banks, transforming it into a cultural hub. The ghat provided a sacred and permanent space for rituals such as shraddha, mundan, and other important ceremonies for the people of Ranchi.
💧 Present-Day Plight: Threat to Health and Heritage
Once a cultural and environmental lifeline of the city, the lake today is severely degraded:
- Water Pollution: Urban waste and pollutants have rendered the water unfit for drinking, drastically affecting water quality.
- Encroachment: Continuous encroachments have shrunk the lake’s periphery, destroying its natural character despite its historic status.
- Neglect: With the decline of royal patronage, both the lake and the ghat have steadily deteriorated.
🗺️Municipal Survey: Revealing Encroachment and Water Spread
Recently, Ranchi Municipal Corporation Administrator Sushant Gaurav conducted a detailed inspection and drone survey of Vivekananda Sarovar (Bada Talab). Physical verification along with Municipal Survey (MS) maps revealed the following:
- Total campus area: 53 acres 22 dismil.
- Actual water body area: Approximately 46 acres.
- Other structures: The remaining nearly 8 acres include roads, toilets, parks, a 3 MLD-capacity STP, and other public infrastructure.
📢 Urgent Need for Conservation
This historic and environmental heritage of Ranchi is in urgent need of protection. Immediate and concrete steps are required by the local administration to eliminate pollution and remove encroachments, so that this vital identity of Ranchi can be preserved. According to sources, Bada Talab has fallen victim to encroachment and toxic water, while the stench of corruption within the municipal corporation is reportedly spreading far and wide.
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