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Tank Bund of Vijayawada

A bewildering medley of crowd throngs Prakasam Barrage for different reasons, discovers G.V.RAMANA RAO

PANACEA The place is the answer to a barrage of issues PHOTOS: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

It is the Gateway of Vijayawada. Though it has a history of over 150 years, it was not built to commemorate the visit of a foreign king. It has become a symbol of the city like the Charminar. It is the Tank Bund of Vijayawada. For those desiring a cool stroll on a summer evening, Prakasam Barrage is the best bet.

Sir Arthur Cotton would not have, even in his widest dreams, imagined that the stone anicut he built across the Krishna River to irrigate the delta would become a hub of activity.

The barrage draws like a magnet a wide cross section of people as the first rays of the sun begin to kiss the ground. The crack of the dawn brings hordes of morning walkers and fitness buffs pouring on to the barrage from every nook and cranny of the city. Bellapu Babji comes here to swim in the river and keep fit. "We formed the Aqua Devils Welfare Association about 10 years ago.

Some of the members go swimming up to the Bhavani Island and return. All our activities take place either in the river or on its banks, " he says. The Aqua Devils have taken upon themselves to preserve a way of life where the river is the centre of all activity.

Spiritual air

Thanks to the Vijayawada Thermal Power Station (VTPS) that needs an abundant supply of fresh water for cooling purposes, over 3,000 million cubic feet of water is stored upstream the barrage.

It is for this very reason that several institutions have been established on the Krishna banks. Starting with the Model Room, the Irrigation Department guesthouse, Punnami Hotel and the Regional Science Centre, are all located on the left bank on the Vijayawada side. The K.L. Rao headwater works that supply Krishna water to most parts of the city is also located on the bank. The most popular bathing ghat, the Durga ghat, where lakhs take a holy dip during the pushkarams and on other auspicious days, is also on the left bank. Tourism and Bhavanipuram ghats have come up in recent years, further upstream the Durga ghat.

The right bank exudes a spiritual air with the ashrams of Ganapathi Sachitananda Swamy and the ISCON drawing a large number of devotees.

HEALTH IS WEALTH A fitting place for fitness buffs.

Making the best of the peace and tranquillity of the place, many other religious organisations have set up ashrams and places of worship here. The medley of activities forms the backdrop of Prakasam Barrage.

In the midst of all this, shining like a diamond in the rough is the Lotus Food City standing in the place of the erstwhile Krishnaveni Motel. Ripples, the air-conditioned restaurant in the Food City provides a mesmerising view of the nature's different hues.

The Creek is another section of the Food City where gastronomes relish scrumptious delicacies gazing at the undulating river water. A superb view of the barrage comes as a bonus for visitors here.

The traditional cottages perched on the Bhavani Island and the delightful cruises operated by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation would lose their charm if the barrage ceased to exist.

Spectacular view

The most spectacular view of the barrage and the expanse of water behind it come free for devotees of Goddess Kanakadurga who take the ghat road to the temple. The awe-inspiring view of the 70 crest gates flanked by stone piers, the concrete apron downstream and the Krishna Eastern Main Canal, which further divides into the Ryve's, Eluru and Bandar canals is an experience to cherish. A revered statue of the Krishnaveni with the barrage in the backdrop has become the emblem of the city.

As the sun sets, the barrage turns favourite spot for couples and lovebirds seeking solitude. Vendors like Ch. Surendra who depend on the place for livelihood are elated over the surging crowds. The items he sells keep changing depending on the season. In winter and rainy seasons, it is roasted peanuts while in summer it is ice cream. "I like couples because they are happy and give me good business. People with preoccupied minds also come here seeking solace," he says.

The barrage is an equaliser. It treats the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the adolescent and the mature on the same platform, literally.

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