The resthouse on Ranchi-Patna Highway. Picture by Vishvendu Jaipuriar

Koderma, May 5: The state forest department has finally put its stamp on a resthouse worth Rs 49 lakh, declaring it a place worth a visit.

The building, the first of its kind in Bihar and Jharkhand and constructed on the Ranchi-Patna highway on the bank of the reservoirs of Tilaiya dam, has 12 rooms with all modern facilities.

The beauty of the reservoirs, along with the series of hills, has stepped in to put the resthouse on the tourist map of the country.

Divisional forest officer S.H.A. Kazami, who selected the site, told The Telegraph that an architect of Ranchi had designed the building.

“More funds are required to furnish the resthouse. We are planning to start it in the coming days. We will appoint a private caterer to provide food to the visitors,” he said.
The Tilaiya dam is constructed on the river Barakar and is one of the four major multipurpose dams under the operational command of DVC.

Kazami said realising the aesthetic value of the place, a decision was taken for the construction of a rest house.

“The state government will provide the funds. From Jamshedpur to Hazaribagh and then to Patna, there is no such modern resthouse constructed by forest department,” he said.
The place also has a scope for water sports in future. The department will charge a nominal amount from the visitors, he added.

The department is also thinking on the lines of developing it as a night tourist spot and is looking forward to build adequate infrastructure.

This will help in building a strong public opinion for conservating this wetland.

“It will also help develop the area as a favourite tourist destination. It will also provide employment opportunities for the local people,” said a resident.