The Koderma district administration has laid out a beautification plan for the popular tourist hotspot Telaiya dam.

The dam was the first of four multi-purpose dams included in the first phase of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). Constructed across the Barakar river and inaugurated in 1953 by the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, it attracts a large number of tourists round the year from Bihar and Jharkhand as well as other states including Bengal.

A total of Rs.2.20 crore will be spent to construct a watch tower, a selfie point, cafeteria, solar lights and kiosks. Parking zones, drinking water facilities and toilets are also part of the proposed plan.

Image of the proposed watch tower. Vishvendu Jaipuriar

Deputy commissioner Ramesh Gholap said the watch tower will come near the boating site of the dam.

The Jheel Restaurant is the only option for accommodation situated on the Ranchi-Patna highway. The proposed plan also includes a new state-of-the-art guest house.

“We are searching for the land and soon we will go ahead in this regard also,” said Gholap.

Gholap said he is also working on the possibility of developing water sports at Telaiya dam.

“Developing this spot by ensuring maximum facilities will woo visitors in large numbers,” he added.