Patna, Jan. 11: Gandhi Maidan could soon become a citizens’ paradise. Children and the elderly may oust politicians from the ground — the all-season hot spot of rallies.

The largest ground of the city is set to grab more eyeballs soon. For, plans are afoot to beautify it.

The building construction department has sent a proposal to the state government for the beautification of the ground, which would cost Rs 8.59 crore.

There are detailed plans for constructing pathway outside the maidan. A space would be earmarked exclusively for the senior citizens on the ground. Children will also have their share.

Rabinesh Kumar Sinha, executive engineer, Patna building division, said: “A proposal has been sent to the state government for approval. The total cost to implement the proposals would be Rs 8.59 crore. The total area of Gandhi Maidan is around 62 acres. There would be no construction on the ground. The pathway and the external boundary will undergo beautification.”

Giving details of the expenses, Sinha said: “Rs 4.81 crore will be spent on the construction of the pathway, Rs 1.34 crore on flower pots, Rs 81 lakh on light arrangements and Rs 52 lakh on a kids’ play zone. The rest would be miscellaneous expenditure.”

Sinha pointed out that there would be four symmetrical play zones with slides. This will be on the space between the pathway and the external boundary.

Sinha said the pathway of Gandhi Maidan would be widened to eight feet. Both the sides of the pathway would have a block each of 2.5 feet width. On a distance of every 100 metres, people will find modern platform (chabutra) to sit on. There would be 12 such constructions.

The ground will be beautified with green trees and creepers, too. In the health zone, equipment for exercising would be available.

The grass and flowers would be watered through a sprinkle system. There will be a facility to conserve rainwater.

Arrangements would be made for a proper drainage system so that water does not accumulate on the ground during the rainy season.

The citizens have often raised objections to political meetings on Gandhi Maidan, citing the damage they cause to its environment. Recently, people requested the authorities once again to ensure political rallies and protests were not staged on the ground.

Professor Aruna Choudhary, the head of Maithili department of Magadh Mahila College, said: “No one is interested in political meetings. These days, people can understand that political parties organise meetings for their own benefit and nothing else.”

He said: “The maidan should be used for organising book or handicraft fairs. People are interested in such events.”