Known for its sylvan surroundings, an expansive valley and a picturesque reservoir, Patratu dam, already a favourite with picnickers, has hit the beautification path.

The tourism department is developing the dam, located around 35km from the Ranchi district headquarters, into a major tourist hotspot by adding basic amenities and carrying out other works.

According to department officials, around 120.62 acres around the dam will get a facelift. Work will be carried out in two phases.

Phase I will see development of around 15.89 acres, where facilities like benches, pathways, railings, heritage lamps, fairy lights, watch tower and landscaping pagodas will come up. A fountain, children's park, cafeteria, theme garden and an open-air theatre will be developed too along with parking space.

Phase-II will cover around 104.73 acres, including the reservoir. To attract more visitors, the department has decided to provide entertainment in the form of jet-ski, motorboats and paddle boats. A floating restaurant is also in the plan.

Delhi-based firm KPMG has been roped in for preparing the master plan for phase-I.

Speaking about the ambitious project, tourism director Waghmare Prasad Krishna said: "We selected KPMG through the tender process in May to develop the dam area. The firm is in the process of making a master plan for facilities to be added in Phase I. Please don't ask me when the design will be completed as it will take time."

The director, however, refused to give an estimate of expenditure to be incurred.

"I cannot say anything now because based on design and requirements, the budget will be decided," he said, adding that the chosen firm would also take care of the fire safety system, communication network besides surveillance.

Vikas Pandey, an official of KPMG associated with the project, said they were in the process of preparing a design. "By September-end, we are hoping to submit the plan to the tourism department," he added.