Bhadrakali promenade: A gem in the making

Warangal: People may have become tired of waiting to see highly touted Bhadrakali Bund promenade beautification for the last couple of years with the authorities continuing to miss several self-set deadlines to throw it open, but in the end the prestigious project is turning out to be worthy.

What makes it special is its walking track. The ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)-made walking track is an M Class elastomer that renders utmost comfort to the user.

The work on Rs 22 crore-Bhadrakali Lake Foreshore Development Project, conceived as Geo-Biodiversity and Cultural Park that also reflects the architectural elegance of the Kakatiyas, was commenced way back in February 2016.

Since then the project which has been funded by the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), a Central Government's ambitious project aimed at holistic development of heritage cities, by the executing agency Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA) is making a slow progress.

The components of 1.1-km-long lake front project include development of foreshore road, green colonnades, open-air gym, walking track, playing area, integrated landscape lighting, parking etc.

Even though the project was aimed at tapping the tourism potential, it was also expected to protect the 4.5-km bund-cum-road foreshore area from encroachments and pollution. Among the beautification works such as stone-carved arches, stone revetment, modern lighting etc, the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)-made walking track installed at the promenade is sure to attract the visitors.

What makes it special is its walking track made of EPDM, an M Class elastomer that renders utmost comfort to the walkers, especially for the elders. The installation of Rs 1.5-crore EPDM walking track has been completed under the supervision of Singapore-based Ebaco, a leading provider of flooring and furniture products and services for specialised industries such as sports, education and healthcare.

The length and width of the track is 750 meters and 3 meters. The rubber track is of 15 mm thickness. It's much like that used in the playgrounds for athletes. The EPDM rubber floor was also laid at the children's playing area. The possibility of children getting injured when they fall on this rubberised floor is very little.

Against this backdrop, the KUDA is keeping its fingers crossed to throw open the Bhadrakali bund before Dasara. Admitting that the project had taken more time than expected, KUDA Chairman Marri Yadava Reddy told The Hans India, "Bhadrakali Lake Foreshore Development project has several interlinking works, hence the delay, but I assure that it would be one of the best in south India" Referring to the progress of bund beautification, Reddy said that work on two fountains is completed. The patch work is on for other four fountains. He said that work was divided into zones and responsibility was entrusted to officials.