AS Rao Nagar elated as its park renovated

Kapra: People in the various divisions under Kapra Circle had a sigh of relief with the recent beautification of Dr AS Rao Nagar GHMC Park. The Park which is the brain child of the then Home Minister Tulla Devender Goud was inaugurated under TDP rule. It was opened to serve the recreation needs of people from Kushaiguda, Cherlapally, Kapra, Moulali Housing Board and Sainikpuri. But due to lack of maintenance and officials’ negligence, the park fell on bad times. People who used to visit on several occasions like holidays and ‘Vanabhojanam’ (traditional picnic in the month ‘Kartikam’) started shunning it and switched to other places for recreation needs. Sports equipment for children, track for walkers and chairs to take rest were damaged. Lawns dried up. Pond in the park started stinking with staggered water. 

With repeated appeals from the people and the initiative taken by local public representatives, the park is returning to its golden days. It is being refurbished and new attractions like coloured boats, beautiful dolphin shaped constructions, water fountains and Lush green lawns were ready to welcome visitors with new lease of life. People in the surrounding areas have again started visiting the park and are happy with its beautification.  Some of them are planning to organise ‘Vanabhojanam’s in the park. Morning walkers are seen enquiring with the staff about monthly passes and timings. 

After enjoying the more than week-long Dasara holidays recently, children are already eagerly looking forward to summer holidays – though it is five months away – to enjoy their happy days in the newly beautified park. For instance, Shiva Shri, a third-class student recollected the old days in the park. Shiva Shri said that they stopped coming to park with friends after the sports equipment got damaged. The student said that they would come again to enjoy the leisure time in a greenery atmosphere.  Visitors request the GHMC authorities to provide security to the park to avoid thefts and untoward incidents. The staff said that as of now 100 to 200 people are visiting the park and the number increases to about 2,000 during holidays.