Jamshedpur (Tatanagar)

Jamshedpur (Tatanagar)

About:-

Jamshedpur is the most populous urban agglomeration in the Indian state of Jharkhand.  Jamshedpur is the headquarters of the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. According to the 2011 census of India, Jamshedpur (East Singhbhum & Seraikela-Kharsawan) district has current population of 1,337,131; the Jamshedpur urban agglomeration (UA), which includes the adjoining areas, Jamshedpur Urban Area is the third Largest city in Eastern India. 

It is also the first planned industrial city of India. It is located on the Chota Nagpur plateau and is surrounded by the picturesque Dalma Hills. The city is bordered by the rivers Subarnarekha and Kharkai on the north and west parts of the city. 

Jamshedpur is home to world's tenth largest steel manufacturing company, Tata Steel. Jamshedpur has been predicted as the 84th fastest growing city in the world for the timeframe 2006–2020 with average annual growth of 2.59%.

Histroy:-

At the end of 19th century, Jamsetji Tata met steelmakers in Pittsburgh to get the most advanced technology for his plant. It is said that he got the idea of building a steel plant when he heard Thomas Carlyle declaring that "the nation which gains control of iron soon acquires the control of gold" in a lecture in Manchester.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Jamshetji Tata asked geologist Charles Page Perin to help him find the site to build India's first steel plant. 

The search for a site rich in iron, coal, limestone and water began in April 1904 in today's Madhya Pradesh.  

The prospectors C. M. Weld, Dorabji Tata and Shapurji Saklatvala took nearly three years in a painstaking search across vast stretches of inhospitable terrain to find a location. 

One day they came across a village called Sakchi, on the densely forested stretches of the Chota Nagpur plateau, near the confluence of the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers. 

It seemed to be the ideal choice and the place was selected. In 1908 the construction of the plant as well as the city officially began. 

The first steel ingot was rolled on 16 February 1912. It was a momentous day in the history of industrial India. Jamsetji's plan for the city was clear. He envisioned far more than a mere row of workers hutments. He insisted upon building all the comforts and conveniences a city could provide. 

As a result, many areas in the city are well planned and there are public leisure places such as the Jubilee Park. 

While building the city, Jamsetji Tata had said, "Be sure to lay wide streets planted with shady trees, every other of a quick growing variety. Be sure that there is plenty of space for lawns and gardens; reserve large areas for football, hockey and parks; earmark areas for Hindu temples, Muslim mosques and Christian churches."  Messrs Julin Kennedy Sahlin from Pittsburgh prepared the first layout of the town of Jamshedpur. What the city looks like today is a testament to their visionary plans. Jamshedpur is the only million plus city in India without a municipal corporation.

Major Attractions:-

Dalma Hills:-

At an altitude of 3000 ft above sea level and just 13 km from Jamshedpur, Dalma Hills is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the land. The views from the hills are spectacular. The dense forests, wildlife sanctuary and Lord Shiva temple attract tourists in great numbers. The serenity of the hills makes it a perfect place for unwinding. Adventure seekers are not disappointed as well. Since there is scope for trekking and mount climbing, the more adventurous minds do not allow themselves to be tied down by its stunning beauty.

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary:-

To spot some of the rare species and endangered animals, you need to be at Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary established in the year 1976 covers an area of 193 square kilometers. Some of the wild animals found here include elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth beers, gaurs, chital, barking deer and elephants. Elephants are star attraction here as they migrate in great numbers to this sanctuary from various places during summer. The sanctuary is also home to a wide range of flora. Trekkers love this sanctuary as the steep slopes are challenging.

Jubilee Park:-

Gifted by Tata Steel, Jubilee Park covers an area of 225 acres. It was inaugurated in the year 1956. With Vrindhavan Garden in Mysore as the inspiration behind its construction, Jubilee Park delights the visitors with its stunning landscape. The three colored fountains look stunning in the evening when illuminated. Well maintained trees and flowerbeds make this place exceedingly beautiful. Some of the sections in the park include Rose Garden, Smriti Udyan, Tata Steel Zoological Park and Foliage Park.

Jubilee Lake:-

Jubilee Lake is situated inside Jubilee Park. It covers an area of 40 acres. The zoo surrounding the lake offers visitors a sight of a wide range of birds and animals. Boat riding facility is available here.

Jayanti Sarovar:-
Jayanti Sarovar is situated inside Jubilee Park, which was inaugurated in 1956. The park is home to an impressive variety of roses. Children can have a great time here as there are swings, skating rides, see saws and windmills. The illuminated fountains add charm to the scenic park.

Tata Steel Zoological Park:-

Tata Steel Zoological Park situated inside the Jubilee Park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Bird watchers love this place as migratory birds are viewed here in winters. Safari rides take you through the woods so that you can view animals in their natural environment and not caged. You would love the visit to Nature Education Centre here.

Russi Modi Centre of Excellence:-
Russi Modi Centre of Excellence is situated near Jubilee Park. The construction is awe-inspiring and is a reflection of the dedication of Tata group towards excellence. The Centre offers facilities for various organizations to create ideas and work to accomplish excellence in their chosen fields. This is the right place to know about the history of Jamshedpur and the founder of Tata Steel. It also has an impressive collection of paintings.

Dimna Lake:-

Dimna Lake is located in a picturesque setting at the foot of the famous Dalma Hills and near Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake was constructed by Tata Steel as a water reservoir to serve the needs of its industry as well as the city. The lake looks stunning with the shadows of the majestic hills and the dense trees around. An ideal place for a morning walk and you may be inspired by those who perform various yoga poses here under the shadows of the trees. Sunrise and sunset views are amazing. It is generally advised against visiting this place in the noon and in late evenings when the crowd is thin.

Hudco Lake:-Hudco Lake is situated in Telco Colony. It is one of the star attractions of Jamshedpur as the lake with its artificial waterfalls and beautiful park draws visitors in great numbers. The hill adjacent to the park has been renovated into a park, which is called as Sumant Mulgaonkar Park. From the hilly regions around the lake, you can have an excellent view of the city.

Bhatia Park:-

Bhatia Park is situated on the banks of River Subarnarekha. The colorful flowerbeds and the rich lawns make the place serene. It is a nice place to spend a relaxed couple of hours amidst lush greenery. The play area in the park keeps the children engaged while elders unwind to enjoy fresh air.

Tribal Culture Center:-

Tribal Culture Center offers platform to the natives of the land to exhibit their skills. The idea behind establishing the center is to give space to natives to host cultural programs. Tribal Culture Center is a boon to the land with a rich culture with the natives keen to preserve their tradition. Vocational training to create self employment is given at the center.

Sir Dorabji Tata Park:-

Dedicated to the memory of Shri Dorabji Tata, pioneer of Tata Iron and Steel Company, Sir Dorabji Tata Park offers visitors a pleasant and serene atmosphere. The landscape is spectacular with lush greenery wherever you view. Colorful flowers and artificial fountains make the place picture perfect. The park is also famous for the annual flower show held here in December.

Bhuvaneswari Temple:-

Located at an altitude of 500 feet above sea level, Bhuvaneswari Temple attracts everyone regardless of the faith one believes in. Constructed on top of the hill closer to Tatanagar Railway Station, the views of the industrial city, villages around and the lush greenery are spectacular.

Parsee Fire Temple:-
Parsee Fire Temple is situated inside the Jubilee Park. This is a holy place of worship for Parsees as the holy fire is burns here. The holy fire has an interesting past. The fire has been burning since 1790 in Cursetjee Manockjee Shroff Agiary in Bombay. When the circumstances were tough for the trustee in agiary to maintain the fire, Jamshedpur Parsees were approached to help maintain the fire. This resulted in the setting up of agiary in Jamshedpur.

Sakchi Gurudwara:-
Sakchi Gurudwara is a place of worship for Sikhs. Viewing the pure white structure makes the mind relaxed. The growing population of Sikhs in Jamshedpur visits the Gurudwara to offer worship. The beautiful construction not only invites Sikhs but attracts all visitors.

Sakchi Masjid:-
Sakchi Masjid is situated at the city’s center. This is a place of worship of those who follow Islam. It is also visited by tourists. The architectural structure shares resemblance with most of the masjids in India.

St. Mary’s Church:-
St. Mary’s Church is the oldest church in Jamshedpur. The structure of the church is simple yet highly appealing. The interior of the church displays excellent craftsmanship.

Transportation:-

Railways:-

Tatanagar Junction is a railway junction and a A-1 category model station on the Chakradharpur division, of the South Eastern Railway. Other railway stations in the city is Adityapur, Gamharia, Kandra, Govindpur etc.

Roadways:-

Jamshedpur is connected to other parts of India through national and state highways. The major highways are:

National Highway 33 (NH33), 

NH32, which connects with Kolkata, Delhi NH2,

NH33 and NH6 connects it to Kharagpur, Kolkata. 

National Highway 32 (NH 32) connects Jamshedpur to Dhanbad, Via Bokaro. 4 lane Expressway (Adityapur-Kandra Road) connects Jamshedpur to Kandra via Gamahria.

Airport:-

Sonari Airport is a tiny airport serving the city at present. It is spread over a 25-acre area in the Sonari area of the city. The airport is primarily used for bringing in chartered planes of TATA group.

Tata Steel had in proposed to set up a 600-acre (2.4 km2) Greenfield airport on the outskirts of Jamshedpur in Adityapur-Seraikela region. 

In June 2011 Tata Steel and TRIL entered formally into a joint venture for building the airport. The new airport will be of international standard with a 10,000 ft runway, it will have the capacity to allow commercial airliners such as the Airbus A320 to land and take off which was not possible from the present airport.