DHANBAD, Sept. 14 -- Topchanchi Lake, one of Dhanbad's oldest and once most popular tourist attractions, is slowly losing its charm amid administrative apathy; its approach road, guest houses and visitor facilities lie in disrepair. Located around 37 km from the Dhanbad district headquarters, the picturesque lake is surrounded by lush greenery and hillocks and was once a favoured destination for tourists as well as filmmakers.

Developed during the British Raj in 1924, the lake was created by tapping 10 natural channels flowing through the nearby Parasnath group of hills to ensure drinking water supply to the Jharia coalfield region. The lake and the adjoining Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 8.75 sq kms, together formed a major...