A view of Subhas Sarobar. Pictures by Saradindu Chaudhury

Subhas Sarobar, one of the two man-made lakes of Calcutta, would soon find a place on the city’s tourist map. The state tourism department would renovate the 91.6 acre waterbody located off the Bypass, with assistance from the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).

The CMDA has submitted a project with an estimated cost of Rs 8.38 crore to the state tourism department, which has sanctioned the amount. “The project report has been prepared by the CMDA. Their Ganga Action Plan sector will be the executing agency,” said Vikram Sen, principal secretary, state tourism department.

Work on the beautification of the area would start as soon as the funds reach the CMDA. It would take around eight months to complete.

The beautification of the lake was started during the tenure of the Left Front government in 2008 by the tourism department with Manab Mukherjee at the helm. At that time, the project cost was Rs 4.91 crore. The department started work on two food courts and an amphitheatre but construction had to be abandoned midway after protests by environmentalists and local residents.

In its present condition, the lake is an eye sore. The surrounding area has turned into a dumping ground. Pigs roam around while shanty-dwellers use the water at one side for bathing and washing.

The abandoned remnants of a food park where construction would resume. (Right) Boundary walls being rebuilt.

A walk around the waterbody revealed a dilapidated children’s park to its south. It has two slips with broken stairs and a swing with the seats missing. Dense undergrowth beneath the trees makes parts of the park impenetrable. Locals say the area has turned into a den of criminal activities. Close to the park, from afar, one can spot the covered stage of the amphitheatre but chunks have fallen off from the ceiling.

“We have set aside Rs 56 lakh for renovation and beautification of the park. A senior citizens’ corner would come up inside it. The pathways have to be built and landscaped. The place would be illuminated to allow evening walks,” said Sen.

The road encircling the lake is in bad shape. All roads in the complex, an official says, would be repaired. The waterbody being a big draw for anglers, there are plans to set up around 30 angler’s decks at different spots around it. Around 10 tourist shelters and 100 benches would be built on the banks.

Two large food courts and nine food kiosks would be set up to cater to visitors. The cemented base and the pillars still stand as proof of the earlier construction venture. Work there would start from the point where it was abandoned last time.

There are plans for a water sports complex here though details are not available at this point.

The plan also includes an amphitheatre and a joggers’ track. There would be signages or direction maps at different points to guide visitors exploring the area.

A paved parking space would allow visitors to park their cars.

A tourist reception centre would be set up where tourists would get information regarding all major tourist destinations of Calcutta.

Stress is being laid on infrastructure. A storm water drainage system would keep the area free from water-logging so that there are no dearth of visitors in monsoon as well. A solid waste disposal system will also be worked out to keep the area clean.

The East West Metro authorities have set up temporary shelters along the western bank of the lake for the families affected by the project. An elevated corridor is undergoing construction to the north, opposite Swabhumi, to allow the Metro tracks to emerge from underground. A few shanties dot the eastern bank of the lake where the water is filthy. “We know that it is government land that we are occupying. If the government wants us to move we would,” said Rajesh Orao, a dweller.