Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

A great escape

The new facility will have play courts, jungle track and medicinal plants

PHOTO: K.R. DEEPAK

LUNG SPACE An aerial view of the park being developed by VUDA near Thotlakonda

The 30 kilometre long marine drive from Visakhapatnam to Bheemunipatnam has one more landmark. A new park, being developed by the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) mid-way between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam on an extent of eight acres, offers a breathtaking view of the sea.

The park, which is in an advanced stage of completion, is expected to be completed in about a month. While most of the flowering plants and ornamental varieties are being raised for the park, some of the trees like cashew have grown naturally on the hill slopes. Pathways and lawns have been partly developed and laying of carpet grass has almost been completed. A pond is being dug to raise ducks. VUDA Chairman P.S.N. Raju has grandiose plans for the eight-acre park, which is being developed at a cost of Rs.8 lakhs. "It will have two play courts, play equipment for children like seesaws and swings tied to tree branches. Two pagodas would also be constructed," says Divisional Forest Officer Paul Prabhakar.

"We will also raise medicinal plants on an extent of 1.5 acres. These plants, to be grown in natural conditions, would be mainly used to train botany students. Visitors can also know about the value of various herbs and their use as home remedies to cure common ailments," he says.

A half-a-kilometre jungle track is being developed for the benefit of adventure lovers.

The track, passing through thick foliage, would lead to the Buddha statue on the way to Thotlakonda.

The park offers a cool retreat for fun lovers who wish to chill out on the carpet grass under the shade of trees while watching the waves from a distance. At the moment it also a great escape for those who wish to be far from the madding crowd.

B. MADHU GOPAL

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail