The beautification work in progress at the lake. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, April 2: Ranchi Lake in capital will soon become a tourist spot with the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) set to give it a facelift.

According to the plan, the civic body will clean the lake and its surrounding area to attract tourists

“Ranchi does not have too many places where one can sit and chat. The idea behind cleaning the lake and its surrounding area is to provide people with a decent place where they can enjoy a quite moment with their near and dear ones,” said an official of the RMC.

“The place will be well-lit. A mast light will be installed on the island in the middle of the lake. The area around the lake will be beautified. We will appoint a private firm for maintening the lake,” the official said.

The corporation has invited tenders for the maintenance job. The agency will maintain the area for three years. The last date for submission of tenders is April 10.

A civic body official Awadh Bihari Tiwari said: “We have floated the tenders. So it will take time. The last day for receiving the tenders is April 10. We are also asking for a security deposit of Rs 5 lakh. The work will begin soon.”

“The agency will arrange for boating facilities . Only battery-operated and paddle boats will be allowed. The corporation will not be responsible for any mishaps and accidents. There will also be facilities for fishing in the lake.”

He added: “The banks of the lake will also be beautified. Special care will be taken to ensure that the area is kept clean. The Rotary Park near Chinmaya Ashram will be also be beautified. The park has been in a miserable condition for long.”

Sources said visitors to the park will have to pay a nominal entry fee. The rates will be fixed by the agency.

“We have already started removing the weeds and water hyacinth from the lake. The lake has not been cleaned for years and so it will take some time,” Tiwari added.