Date:02/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/02/stories/2007100259290300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Residents throng to new parks

Work on 18 parks under progress, says HUDA official
Saroornagar Lake restored at a cost of Rs.10 crore

HYDERABAD: Chairman of the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) D. Sudheer Reddy announced free entry for a week to Saroornagar Lake Park which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday and attended by a large number of people. Both, Vanasthalipuram and Saroornagar parks in erstwhile L.B. Nagar municipal area, were inaugurated along with the Nalgonda X Roads flyover.

“Thousands of residents from nearby colonies making it to the park on the inauguration day itself shows how much such amenities mean for citizens,” said Mr. Reddy who also disclosed the proposal to develop parks in 34 open spaces identified in L.B. Nagar, Gaddi Annaram and other areas at a cost of Rs.20 crore. “The work on 18 parks is under progress,” said HUDA Chief Engineer Vivek Deshmukh.

The Saroornagar Park, like Safilguda and Langer Houz parks, are developed by the HUDA as part of the Green Hyderabad Environment Programme taken up to restore and beautify the highly polluted lakes. The Saroornagar Lake was restored at a cost of Rs.10 crore by strengthening the existing bund and constructing a peripheral bund along the water spread, diversion of excess sewage from upstream colonies and development of landscape and recreation facilities in 4.5-acre park. The park, features like education centre on environment, boating facility, lawns, landscapes, play area, laughing teddy bear and cafeteria cost Rs.1.2 crore, he said.