Imagine a starry, breezy night beside a vast reservoir. Imagine waking up to colours of sunrise suffused on water and to birdsong.

State drinking and sanitation department is mulling a revamp of the scenic Getalsud dam, locally known as Rukka dam, 40km away from the capital, into a prominent tourist magnet.

Rajesh Kumar, the executive engineer of Getalsud dam, said they were planning a guesthouse, a park and a garden, amusement options, walking trails, light-and-sound fountains, water kiosks, ticket counters, among others.

"These are some broad specifications. Exact layout will be known as the detailed project report evolves along with estimated funds," he said, adding that the infrastructure would be set up on a six-hectare area between the dam and the recently inaugurated food park.

"This water body is one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists during prime season who come here during daytime for picnics. But unfortunately, lack of tourist-friendly facilities has been a major deterrent in attracting footfall. Properly developing Getalsud dam will help Ranchi tourism as a whole," he added.

But, as earlier state plans of the dam becoming an aqua adventure hotspot did not take off, would this current enthusiasm also water down?

"Unlikely, because we have already initiated steps to start this project by floating expressions of interest inviting private agencies, consultants, architects and the like with experience in similar projects to submit their proposals. We will now invite public tenders on March 9 and have set March 28 as cut-off date to receive final proposals," Kumar stressed.

He added a final agency for the work would be selected in the first week of April and given an 18-month period for completion.

Getalsud dam across Subernarekha gives water to two-thirds of Ranchi.

The artificial reservoir came into existence in 1971 with twin purposes, to facilitate water supply for power generation at the Subernarekha hydel power plant in Sikidiri and provide drinking water to Ranchi.