Ranchi: Karamtoli pond near Karamtoli Chowk is all set to tread the makeover path.

An agency named Niranjan Roy Construction has bagged the tender to renovate the pond at an estimated cost of Rs 10.5 crore.

The pond, spread over 2.25 acres, was initially owned by Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) but the state urban development department later handed it over to Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company (JUIDCO) to carry out its renovation.

"Niranjan Roy Construction received the contract four days back and they have been asked to complete the work within 18 months. It will be turned into a complete recreational zone," said an official of JUIDCO.

The civic body in 2014 had roped in Ranchi-based architecture firm Chadda & Associates to prepare a detailed project report of the beautification plan of the pond with an estimated amount of Rs 2.5 crore. But the plan never materialised.

According to the detailed project report prepared by JUIDCO, the renovation plan of the pond includes barricading the water body, musical fountains, watchtowers, special lighting arrangements and enhancing its landscape. Besides, the pond premises will also have a food court, a multipurpose hall, jogging track, seesaw for children, toilets, water kiosks and basement parking that can accommodate a minimum of 80 cars.

The area around the pond will be under CCTV surveillance, though the number of cameras to be installed is yet to be decided. There will also be solar panels to light the area. The existing puja sthal at the corner of Karamtoli Chowk, where tribals assemble during Karma Puja, will be also renovated.

"Once the renovation work is complete, RMC will take over the possession of the pond. Entry will be free for morning-walkers, but later during the day whether visitors will be charged a minimal amount or not, we are yet to decide," said RMC commissioner Shantanu Kumar Agrahari.