DURGAPUR BARRAGE
The Durgapur Barrage is a major picnic spot for the people of Durgapur and its adjoining areas. During the winter months; especially in the month of December and January you will hardly find a day when there is a shortage of picnic party.
Being located very close to the centre of the Durgapur city, the Durgapur Barrage provides an excellent pleasure excursion option for those people who want to return their home on same day. For the people of Durgapur – the city with a cosmopolitan culture a picnic at Durgapur barrage is seen as a great way for the family and friends to get together in a relaxed and entertaining natural environment.
Apart from spending a lot of time on the vast expanse of sand on river bed by playing, walking or simply taking a sun-bath, people can also take a boat ride to reach the villages on the other side. An adjacent park is an added attraction of the barrage.
Durgapur Barrage – a major tourist attraction
The Durgapur Barrage has been a major tourist attraction of Durgapur for years. The phenomenal sight of water torrent gushing out of the lock-gates from heights is just awe inspiring. If you continue to look for some time without interruption, you will definitely have a dizzying effect. The best time to visit the barrage at Durgapur is the monsoon season when the river Damodar bulges and most of the lock gates are opened.
Though Durgapur Barrage is an example of man’s attempt of controlling the fury of nature, but the view of the gushing water or the natural splendor of the surrounding areas is bound to make every visitor spell bound.
A few yards away from the main barrage is a canal. There is a short foot bridge over it. Try crossing with a lock gate open. It will definitely have a wobbly effect.
Earlier Durgapur Barrage has a good reputation for being a great spot for bird-watching in the winters. Though the number of birds have decreased significantly in last 20 years, but if you go in the early morning you can still see lots of birds of varying species.