Under developed recreational centres haunt city

Despite having canals, hills and beautiful scenic spots, the city located on the banks of River Krishna is lagging behind on recreation front. Contrary to the claims of the State Government and the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) that they are totally committed to developing the city as a major tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh, no major initiatives have been taken in this regard. The ill-equipped and poorly maintained parks in the city stand testimony to the gross neglect on the recreation front.

Punnami Resorts and Bhavani Island on the Krishna River which are the major tourist hubs in the city maintained by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, are not able to attract tourists to their potential due to lack of full-fledged recreational facilities. Motor and jet boats have become defunct depriving tourists of a pleasure ride in the river.

The greenery in majority of VMC parks has withered due to poor maintenance and with the advent of the summer season. Play items in the parks are defunct. Some of them have got rusted. Repairs to the play items and other children's attractions are totally neglected by the park authorities. Many parks have become safe havens for anti-social elements in the absence of a proper vigil. So people are of the view that it is safe to avoid visiting parks.

Even if funds are flowing into development and beautification of the city in the wake of capital region coming up nearby, the VMC has failed to unveil any major plans to promote entertainment zones and recreational facilities. Due to lack of proper recreational facilities, people of the city are largely dependent on multiplexes and malls for entertainment even if it comes at a huge cost.