Nagara Vanam works gain momentum

Tirupati: At last, the Forest department has accelerated the works on the Nagara Vanam project aimed at providing the much-needed lung space in the rapidly growing pilgrim city. The foundation stone for the ‘Nagara Vanam Divyaramam’ was laid by Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana in July 2015 and is expected to be completed in the next three weeks.

Nagara Vanam is located on a 2-km forest stretch between Kapilatheertham and Alipiri, foot of the hills, on the slopes of Tirumala forest at the north end of the city. It is a perfect place for a retreat to the denizens vexed with the mechanical life.

In fact, the forested area was already developed as ‘Divyaramam’ by TTD turning into verdant thickets but remained a neglected place after it was handed back in 2010 to the Forest department for want of funds.

The state government decision to establish ‘Nagara Vanam’ with the financial support from the Centre in every district came handy to the department to revive Divyaramam into a lush green space with more facilities to make the forested area as an ideal place for walkers and also for people to spend quality time together with their families to get a much needed break from the routine life. As the area is already with full of trees of various species, the officials focused on creation of various facilities under Nagara Vanam project to make it a unique one. 

Besides, formation of four long walking tracks passing through the forest area, providing children play area, the department included an education centre showcasing with exhibits of the rich wealth of flora and fauna of Seshachalam Hills, boating facility, meditation hall-cum-yoga centre and a cafeteria. The highlight of the project was a specially formed walking track suitable for those with diabetes and a rose garden giving a touch of colours of various hues, said Forest Range Officer SC Subbarayulu.

Informing that the total cost of the project was Rs 2 crore, he said all the works are likely to be completed in three or four weeks, but it was thrown open for walkers and the public, who are visiting with families daily in good number. The three ponds developed in the Vanam will be an added attraction and help to harvest rainwater and a borewell also proposed to ensure continuous water supply to the ponds.

As the area is already a preferred destination for walkers, the creation of more facilities will attract more visitors, he averred. A woman, Lakshmi, who is a regular walker to Nagara Vanam said that that the area in the natural setting of the hilly background with full of trees providing a salubrious environment is a pleasure to people like her to refresh mentally and physically.

Narayana, who is working in a private firm, said he is coming daily for a walk to Nagara Vanam. Divyaramam provides a spiritual feeling in the morning while lauding the Forest department for providing sufficient benches for the people to sit and relax after a brisk walk, in the sylvan natural surroundings.

By G Sridhar