Pala Pitta Park losing sheen; officials at a loss

Kondapur: The Pala Pitta Cycling Park at Kondapur, the first of its kind in the country and named after the state bird, used to get 1,000 visitors every day when it was thrown open in 2017 but now the number has reduced to barely 150 persons. Call it lack of time, laziness or sheer callous attitude of citizens, the 39-acre park is not being used to its optimum.

Ravikanth R, a regular to the park, said, "It has all it takes, open space, greenery and good tracks. Also it is in the heart of the city, yet people are giving it a miss. It beats me."

Even the Telangana forest department is clueless. Sirisha, the Divisional Forest Officer, says, "We are doing our best. The park is dedicated solely to cycling and recreational activities. Primary objective is to provide an ultimate space especially for the cyclists given the vanishing freedom of cyclists on roads. Cycle lovers can happily rush and all the required facilities for cycling are provided." Around 1,000 visitors are queuing up for cycling during weekends and the visitors are lauding the wonderful urban green infrastructure developed for the benefit of visitors, says Sirisha.

"To make people comfortable, we are also providing cycles for rent at our cycle stall," said Kiran, Supervisor, Pala Pitta Cycling Park. "This park is maintained by the Cykul, a private organisation that works for the development of sports in an environment friendly way. Thus, Cykul has partnered with us and is putting in equal efforts to make cycling comfortable," he added.

Visitors and members can either bring along their own cycle or rent one right at the park. There are many additional cycling-related facilities provided to enhance the cycling experience in the park.

A cycle stall accommodates the countless bicycles available for rent. The cycles costing Rs 10,000 each are customised and can be rented on hourly bases.

The 3-km cycling track inside the park meanders between the trees. It is often two-way except for a short distance which winds around a pond. The park is also drawing a lot of couples, friends and families.

Interested people can access this park every morning from 6 am to 10 am and in the evening from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. A single day pass or a monthly subscription can be purchased at the park.