SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Aug 12: Dhanbad’s picturesque Topchanchi Lake, famous for its natural beauty and serene environment will be developed as a heritage site of Jharkhand.
The famous lake, based on the side of inter-state GT Road (NH-2) around 37 km away from Dhanbad district headquarters will turn 100 years old on November 15, 2024.
JMM leader makes an announcement
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) senior leader and Tundi MLA Mathura Prasad Mahto, who visited Topchanchi Lake announced that it would be developed as a heritage site of Jharkhand state.
“The lake will turn 100 years on November 15, 2024, The district administration will organize a special program to mark this auspicious occasion by developing its natural beauty”, said Mahto.
MLA Mahto added that the beautification of the lake will boost tourism and create employment opportunities for locals. However, he admitted that due to the lack of development, tourists face numerous challenges.
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DPR being prepared
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for the beautification of the lake, which will include the construction of parks, resorts, roads, street lights, gates, and shops. The project is estimated to cost over ₹100 crores.
The famous lake belongs to the oldest civil body, the Mineral Area Development Authority (MADA). Its managing director Raviraj Sharma, who is also Dhanbad Municipal Commissioner (DMC commissioner) said that Topchanchi Lake is one of the 75 Water Supply Heritage sites in the country.
An agency is preparing a DPR for the lake’s renovation. Previously, MADA lacked funds for development, but now it has the proper resources to develop Topchachi Lake. So, the project would start soon.
Project to transform Topchanchi Lake into a new tourist destination
British officials developed the natural set-up of Topchachi Lake as the main source of drinking water sources for Jharia and its colliery residential areas.
“This project will transform Topchanchi Lake into a new tourist destination, attracting visitors and strengthening the local economy”, he said.
Till the 1980s decade, Topchanchi Lake of Dhanbad was a favourite location of the Bollywood and Kolkata film industry for shooting movies. Bangla film star Uttam Kumar became so impressed by the site scene of Topchanchi Lake that he even purchased land there to set up a studio. But in the wake of rising Naxal menace in the region, he cancelled the project.
