It was constructed by Damodar Valley Corporation mainly for the purpose of irrigation and also to supply water to Industrial township of Durgapur.

The four main multipurpose dams located at Tilaiya, Konar, Maithon and Panchet were commissioned during 1953–1959.

In addition, a single purpose reservoir on the main stream, the Damodar, at Tenughat was constructed later in 1974.

Durgapur Barrage, constructed downstream of all the dams, is controlled by the Government of West Bengal.

[8] In the night 23 November 2017, the 1st lock gate of the Durgapur Barrage was opened for some time to let the water out.

To accomplish the task the engineers again wanted to empty the reservoir and later fill it up with waters from Maithon and Panchet dams yet again.

Using that floating platform, the lock gate was permanently fixed in phase wise manner.

[12] The superintendent engineer of Damodar irrigation circle is hopeful to repair or replace the gate within 48 hours as they need the upper catchment area dry to carry out the work.