Eco-park works at a snail’s pace

Eco-park works at a snail’s pace
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Highlights

The works for developing Avilala tank as a spiritual eco-park on the outskirts of temple city are going at snail’s pace. The state government handed over 158-acre Avilala tank to the TTD two years ago. In 2015, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had instructed the then TTD EO D Sambasiva Rao to develop tank as eco-park with facilities like boating, spiritual gardens, walking track, medicinal plant

Tirupati: The works for developing Avilala tank as a spiritual eco-park on the outskirts of temple city are going at snail’s pace. The state government handed over 158-acre Avilala tank to the TTD two years ago. In 2015, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had instructed the then TTD EO D Sambasiva Rao to develop tank as eco-park with facilities like boating, spiritual gardens, walking track, medicinal plantations, musical fountain and an open-air auditorium.

Highlights:

  • State govt handed over 158-acre Avilala tank to TTD for developing it as tourist attraction two years ago
  • Estimated cost for developing eco-park was Rs 25 crore
  • In a meeting with TTD EO, the CM expressed displeasure over the delay in completion of works

The TTD officials developed a blueprint in 2016 for transforming tank into an eco-park at a cost of Rs 25 crore. The Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) taken up the beautification works on the premises of airport two years ago at the same time when the tank was handed over to the TTD. The TUDA completed the works in stipulated time but the TTD’s Forest and Engineering departments have totally failed to develop the tank during the same period.

The TTD officials have divided the Avilala tank land into four parts. On the eastern side of the tank, 30 acres was earmarked for boating. Digging works taken up but they were stopped in midway due to technical reasons. The flood water entered the unfinished tank due to recent downpour. The officials may resume digging works only after rainwater dries up.

The TTD laid only 4 km walking track and fenced boundaries with iron wire. At present, the city residents are using the track for walking.

The works of constructing an open auditorium and medicinal plants garden are yet to begin. During his recent visit to Tirupati, the Chief Minister reportedly expressed displeasure over the delay of eco-park works in a meeting with EO Anil Kumar Singhal. Social activist M Purushotham Reddy speaking to The Hans India said that the TTD officials are not showing interest to complete the works despite having sufficient funds.

By K Nethaji

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