SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 21: The scenic Topchachi Lake in Dhanbad, once a favourite spot for Kolkata cine stars, is set to be transformed into a tourist hub with a development project worth ₹77 crore.
Jharkhand’s Urban Development Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu announced this on Saturday while addressing the media at the Topchachi Lake guest house.
Minister inspects site with officials
The minister, accompanied by local MLA Mathura Prasad Mahto (JMM), Jharkhand Mineral Area Development Authority (JMADA) commissioner Ravi Raj Sharma, chief engineer Anup Kumar Samanta, and other senior officials, inspected the lake in the afternoon.
Highlighting the lake’s natural beauty, surrounded by hills, the minister remarked, “The natural scenario of Topchachi Lake has the potential to develop it as a tourist hub and revive its old glory when tourists from different states, especially film producers from Bombay and Kolkata, arrived here for picnics.”
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Historical significance
Located about 35 km from Dhanbad district headquarters, alongside the Delhi-Kolkata interstate highway (NH-2), Topchachi Lake was a favorite shooting spot for Tollywood (Kolkata cine stars) and Bombay film industries until the 1980s.
Renowned actor Uttam Kumar was so captivated by the lake’s charm that he purchased land in the area. However, the rise of Naxal activity in the region led to a decline in tourist visits.
Minister Sonu emphasized that the redevelopment of Topchachi Lake as a tourist center would create job opportunities for local youth, who would be given priority.
He assured that all necessary facilities for an ideal tourist destination, such as guest houses, restaurants, lighting, and road infrastructure, would be restored.
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