The Jharkhand Mineral Area Development Authority has stepped up measures to restore the historic Topchanchi and convert it into a major tourist destination in the state by augmenting its facilities.

An artificial lake developed during the British Raj in 1924 by tapping the ten different natural channels flowing through the nearby Parasnath group of hills, Topchanchi Lake is a major tourist destination. Besides the lake, a wildlife sanctuary spread across an 8.75 square km area also draws a large number of tourists from across the state and nearby Bengal.

The construction work of a 5.5 km road is being carried out around the lake as part of a comprehensive project of Rs 317crore. It includes the laying of new water supply pipelines at Jharia and construction of a water treatment plant at Jamadoba.

The civic body has decided to launch a toy train service for visitors similar to the one at Birsa Munda Park of Dhanbad , after the completion of the road work.

Executive engineer of JMADA, Indresh Shukla said, “The road construction and launching of toy train service will help the tourists coming from different parts of the state and Bengal to witness the natural beauty of the lake surrounded with a large number of hillocks all around it.”

The lake is a favourite destination for a large number of migratory birds including Black Cormorant, Pink Duck, Black winged stilt, common Teal, gadwall, brown headed gull, spoonbill, red crested pochard and common Coot.

“The contractor working for the road construction may be entrusted with the task of operating the toy train,” said Shukla.

The district administration is yet to approve a proposal to renovate two guest houses situated near the lake including, the Lake house and another guest house called C 1 guest house.