Buddha Purnima parks set for major facelift

Hyderabad: The Buddha Purnima Project Authority (BPP), a part of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), has taken upon itself the responsibility of developing major parks and sites under its care in the city.

It takes care of Hussain Sagar Lake, NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park, Sanjeevaiah Park, NTR Memorial, Peoples Plaza, Necklace Road Lakeview Park, PV Gyan Bhoomi and Lumbini Laserium. These spots are star attractions in twin cities for both local and foreign tourists.

"We have an income of Rs 24 crore per annum, about two crores per month. We are sure that the income would increase up to 30 crores. But, the expenditure to maintain the parks and the lakes are higher than the income," says M Shyam Sundar Reddy, administrative officer of BPP at HMDA. Nevertheless, the BPP has many plans in the pipeline for the parks and lakes that it looks after.

Built in the memory of late NT Rama Rao, one of the most popular Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, NTR Memorial Garden is one of the famous sightseeing places in the city. Spread across an area of 34 acres, NTR Gardens present a soothing atmosphere and refreshing setting to spend some time. It was in 2002 that the garden was opened to the public.

The garden offers various kinds of recreational options as well. Some of these are boat ride, Japanese garden, roaring cascade, a fountain, the largest giant wheel in south India etc. The garden has been created in such a way that it offers a breathtaking natural surroundings, along with plenty of entertaining activities.

One can visit the garden till 9 pm, as the timings are from 12.30 pm to 9.00 pm. The entry fee is affordable, at Rs 20 per adult and Rs 10 per kid. Special packages with a 50% discount or sometimes even free entry have been developed for schools, orphanages and physically challenged.

Lumbini Park was developed by the HMDA in 1994. It is named after the erstwhile Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh T Anjaiah in 2006. Situated quite close to the famous standing statue of Lord Buddha and Hussain Sagar Lake, the largest artificial lake of Asia, the Lumbini Park is a place worth visiting.

It is more like a mini-entertainment park right in the middle of the city, by the side of a beautiful lake. The ticket price is the same as NTR Gardens. The capacity and theme of the laser show will be changed in the next few months. Park being built within an area of 3.5 acres, limited area is allocated for kids play zone.

Sanjeevaiah Park is a public green space and it is in the heart of the city. It is built on 92-acre land along the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake. The park also houses the second tallest Indian Flag. A 2.4-km aerial tramway connecting this park with Lumbini Park, which is located on the other side of the Hussain Sagar Lake, is being planned. Water sports, amusement park and water slides were also the planned activities at the park.

While retaining all the environmental aspects of the park, the agency proposed a plan without construction of any concrete structures. Besides water sports, so as to utilise the huge waterfront, the proposal mooted night illumination, water and energy conservation measures. From their allotted budget for the lake development, a part of it was to be utilised if this proposal were to be agreed upon by the local government.

"We try to give visitors the best experience possible, with a mix of relaxation and amusement, for them to have a memorable and great time with their family," Shyam Sundar Reddy says.

By Maina Manga