Dhanbad: Civic bodies Mineral Area Development Authority (Mada) and Dhanbad Municipal Corporation (DMC) have joined hands to beautify and increase the water retention capacity of Topchanchi lake, 35km from here.

Built by the British in 1935, the artificial lake is the prime source of water for Katras's 35-lakh population.

The water body, which once attracted the likes of Ashok Kumar, Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen to film on its banks, is now a shadow of its former self owing to lack of proper maintenance.

A DMC plan to beautify the adjoining areas of the lake and revamp visitors' amenities has been hanging fire as Mada, which owns the lake, did not have a managing director to approve the project.

But with DMC commissioner Rajeev Ranjan given additional charge of Mada managing director this month, the twin civic bodies are now drawing up plans to increase the water retention and revamp facilities at the scenic location.

Revealing details, Ranjan said, "Rs 18 lakh is lying with us for de-siltation and deepening of the lake bed. However, we cannot afford to drain the lake as it is the main source of water for Katras. We are looking for an agency which can dredge the lake."

Dhanbad mayor Chandrashekhar Agarwal said, "Our plans for the lake's beautification was held up because of Mada's approval."

Ranjan said, "Mada has no issues if the DMC carries out the beautification. More tourists will mean more revenue for Mada."

Developed as an artificial lake by British Government in 1915 by tapping ten natural channels flowing through the nearby Parasnath Hills, Topchanchi still attracts a sizeable number of tourists. The destination is famous for an 8.75sqkm wildlife sanctuary located near it.

The water body is also a favourite haunt for a large number of migratory birds.