The state capital’s civic body will start second phase of the beautification of the iconic Swami Vivekananda Sarovar, commonly known as Bada Talab, from next year.

Ranchi Muncipal Corporation CEO Manoj Kumar said the detailed project report (DPR) for the second phase of renovation of Bada Talab has got its nod from the urban development department and the tender process would be completed in November.

“The Ranchi-based architecture consultancy firm Chaddha and Associates, which did the DPR of the Karamtoli Talab, has also done the DPR of second phase renovation work for Bada Talab and it has already received nod from the urban development department. We hope to complete the tender process in November and issue work order after in the new year the Assembly polls,” Kumar said.

Sources in the engineering wing of the RMC said that the second phase of renovation work would be carried out on 10 acres of the Bada Talab near the Nagarmal Modi Seva Sadan Hospital end.

“The estimated cost of renovation is pegged at over Rs 7 crore and would witness landscaping, setting up of pathways, benches and tensile structures,” said a senior engineering official of the RMC, requesting anonymity.

“The construction work will be completed in 12 months,” he added. “There will also be washrooms and food courts.”

The tensile structures would be used for those fond of yoga to do asanas while benches would be installed for people to relax after exercise and jogging on the banks of the scenic lake.

Bada Talab is spread over 52 acres. It was made by a British agent, Colonel Onsely, in 1842 with the help of prisoners in order to maintain the groundwater level of Ranchi, which is located more than 2,100 feet above sea level.

The first phase of the beautification and conservation of Bada Talab began in May 2017. The work envisaged among other things two bridges — one 20m long and 6m wide connecting the main entrance with Island-1 of the lake, and the other 200m long and 6m wide connecting Island-1 with Island-2 — installation of lighting, fountains and pathways and sewage treatment plants to treat the untreated sewer water and waste dumped into the lake.

The cost was pegged at Rs 13 crore.

In addition, a 33-foot high statue of Swami Vivekananda was added to the beautification project taking the cost to Rs 20 crore in June 2017. The statue was inaugurated in January this year. The statue has been made by eminent sculptor Ram V. Sutar.