As the New Year dawned, thousands thronged to scenic Topchanchi Lake here despite overcast skies. from different parts of the district despite cloudy weather have demanded restoration of the old glory of lake.

The Topchanchi reservoir, an artificial lake, was made by the British in 1924 by tapping 10 natural streams flowing in the nearby Parasnath hills.

The lake — which hosts a large number of migratory birds in winter — and the wildlife sanctuary beside it have always attracted tourists since almost a century.

But diehard fans of the landmark lake want basic facilities such as drinking water and proper seating arrangements to be in place here.

Talking to The Telegraph on Wednesday, assistant controller of Chandrapura thermal power station of Bokaro, Jitendra Kumar, who was visiting the lake with his wife, said: “The beauty of the lake in the lap of greenery attracts me so much that I take the 70km drive from Phusro in Bokaro to come here.located around 70 kms from here”.

But he added: “Though the beauty of this magnificent lake and its surroundings can impress anyone, guests from elsewhere look surprised at the lack of proper seats or drinking water taps. It’s such a great place, but drawbacks such as these can’t be overlooked.”

Ravi Kumar, a resident of Asansol in Bengal, who came to spend the New Year at the lake with his cousins from Giridih, agreed. “I just love this place, but the lack of basic facilities do make it inconvenient, especially if there are women, children and the elderly.”

Contacted, Dhanbad mayor ChandrashekharAgarwal said they had a plan in place to give visitors basic amenities. “Seating arrangements will be made and existing guest houses that are currently defunct, will be revived,” he promised.