Bhubaneswar, April 26: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Park at Gandamunda, which was lying in a dilapidated state for years, is finally set for a makeover.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is going to revive the lost greenery by investing nearly Rs 10 lakh.
The Telegraph on December 20, 2010, had highlighted the deplorable condition of the amusement area in a report called "Park in prime place lies in neglect".
Developed in 1998, the 17-acre park was a sought-after site for the residents of Pokhariput, Gandamunda, Jagmohan Nagar, Barbari, Jagamara and even students of Odisha University of Agriculture Technology (OUAT).
However, closure of the road connecting OUAT Square and Gandamunda in 2002 for the expansion of the runway of the city airport hit the turnout at the park. The authorities also had plans to set up a statue of the great freedom fighter in the middle amid a fountain. However, poor water supply forced them to abandon idea.
Councillor of ward No. 62 (previously 30) Hrudaya Ballabh Samantaray said: "It will not be a challenge for the authorities anymore to revive the lost glory of the park as the Khandagiri-Pokhariput pipe water supply line has already become functional. There is also a underground reservoir, which will supply water to the park round the clock."
The development authority chief horticulturist Ashok N. Dhar said: "Work on lawn, installing new dustbins, planting new flowers and exotic plants and landscaping will be taken up by us to give a fresh look at the park."
A resident Damodar Mohanty said: "The area is huge, but was left unused for years. There is definitely a need for public space other than the Madhusudan Park that is at least one km away from here. Therefore, the development authority officials should accelerate their work and finish the revamp as soon as possible."
The BDA chief horticulturist further said the tender process would be finished by the end of May. Within three months after that work would start and we are determined to finish it in a year.
The senior BDA official also said while there was a plan to develop the horticultural wealth of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Park, the Madhusudan Park will also get a new horticultural makeover. The development authority is going to invest around Rs 20 lakh for its development.
Seven other parks are also on the radar. "We are going to start work after tenders are finalised by end of May," Dhar said.
