Atal Park blueprint ready; 22cr project to begin soon

Panchkula: Work has begun on the proposed Rs 22 crore Atal Park, with the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) finalising the blueprint and initiating the tendering process. The park will come up on nearly 5 acres along the new road linking Sukhna Lake with the Mata Mansa Devi Complex in Sector 1.Officials said the project aims to create a major recreational and cultural space. The plan includes themed gardens based on wildlife, fragrance, Ayurveda, culture, art and science. A grand entrance plaza with a gateway has been incorporated into the design.A key feature will be the Atal Gallery, dedicated to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The gallery will be surrounded by a water body finished with granite, with a landscaped walkway around it.The blueprint also provides for a Rang Manch (open-air stage) equipped with an integrated sound and audio-visual system, as well as food kiosks. The Bal Vigyan Vanya Vatika (Children's Science & Wildlife Garden) and Yog Vatika (Fitness Park) are part of the plan, with the Yog Vatika featuring a bamboo-roofed yoga hut with wooden flooring amid soft landscaping.Other proposed themed areas include Sugandh Vatika (Fragrance Garden), Kalakriti Vatika (Art Grove), Sanskritic Vatika (Heritage Garden) and Ayurveda Vatika (Medicinal Plant Garden). LED lighting will be installed throughout the park.The layout also includes an athletic track, walking track, open-air gym, water fountains, a watchtower and a dedicated leisure zone. Another landscaped water body with lighting and pumping systems is planned.Officials said the project is designed as an integrated space combining recreation, culture, wellness and learning. "We have floated the tender. Once the agency is finalised and work is allotted, the deadline is eight months," an official said.A 41ft statue of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee has already been installed at the proposed entrance.Aim to create a recreational and cultural spaceProject cost: ₹22 crore; blueprint approved, tendering under wayLocation: Nearly 5 acres along road linking Sukhna Lake to Mansa Devi, Sector 1Major attractions:Atal Gallery surrounded by a granite-finished water bodyRang Manch (open-air stage) with AV systemsEntrance plaza with gatewayThemed gardens:Wildlife, Fragrance (Sugandh Vatika), Ayurveda, Culture, Art (Kalakriti), ScienceBal Vigyan Vanya Vatika (Children's Science & Wildlife)Yog Vatika with bamboo-roofed yoga hutFacilities:Athletic track, walking track, open-air gymWater fountains, watchtower, LED lighting, leisure zoneTimeline: 8-month deadline after work allotmentAdditional feature: 41-ft statue of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee installed at entrance