Ivankovo Reservoir, Water reservoir in Tver Oblast and Moscow Oblast, Russia
The Ivankovo Reservoir is a body of water in Tver Oblast and Moscow Oblast, Russia, covering more than 300 square kilometers and linking the Volga River to the Moscow Canal. Its shores alternate between dense pine forests, open plains, and small settlements, while numerous bays and arms divide the water surface.
This water reservoir was created in the 1930s as part of a large infrastructure project to supply Moscow with freshwater, and it was completed in 1937. The flooding of the area led to the disappearance of the old town of Korcheva, and its residents were relocated to other settlements.
Local people call this body of water the Moscow Sea, and anglers gather along its shores throughout the warmer months to fish and launch small boats. Families from nearby settlements often spend weekends by the water, continuing a tradition that goes back several generations.
The water feeds into Moscow's supply network and supports a dam system in Dubna that produces electricity for the surrounding region. Visitors can walk along accessible stretches of shoreline, but many areas remain difficult to reach due to infrastructure and limited roads.
From November through April, the entire surface of the water freezes into a thick layer of ice that can support the weight of people and vehicles. Some locals drive across the frozen expanse to reach remote settlements that are accessible only by boat during summer.
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