Ranchi: Chief minister Raghubar Das will on Saturday lay the foundation stone of the much-awaited Rs 68.36-crore project to develop the picturesque Patratu Dam in Ramgarh, around 40km from here, into a popular tourist spot.
Once complete, the dam site would boast of facilities such as a lake resort, a musical water fountain in the middle of the reservoir, a 3.5km promenade along the existing embankment, an iconic entry gate, parking bays, children's play arena, cafeteria, viewing decks, an artisans' workshop area, a floating jetty, gazebos and pagodas, water & adventure sports facilities, picnic points, amphitheatre and a crafts bazaar
A private firm, M/s Highten & MP Project, will execute the project, the first phase of which is likely to be completed within a year. In the second phase, which is still in the pipeline, a film city is likely to come up.
State tourism department secretary Rahul Sharma on Friday said the function would also be attended by minister of state for civil aviation and Hazaribagh MP Jayant Singh and state tourism minister Amar Kumar Bauri.
To create the right buzz about the tourism potential Patratu offers, the department would organise a bike rally from Audrey House here to the scenic dam site, a distance of around 40km. The rally would zig-zag through Kanke, Pitoria, Patratu-Pitoria Valley and finally the destination.
S.D. Singh, state convener of Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development, who is one of the coordinators for the event, told The Telegraph that the rally was open for all and anyone interested can register themselves on the spot.
"The rally would be flagged off at 8am from Audrey House. So far, we have received 75 entries. Those who wish to join, can come and register on the spot," said Singh, adding that the government would provide free fuel and food to the participants.
On the bikers' safety and security, Singh said nobody without helmets would be allowed to take part.
"Helmets are a must. This apart, we would have a few pilot vehicles to ensure that bikers follow rules and nobody over speeds. The idea is to have a pleasure ride from here to the dam site by involving people from all walks of life which will help in generating the right buzz," said Singh.
