Cultural uplift in offing for Nehru Park in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council is planning to upgrade

Nehru Park

and develop it into a world-class park-cum-cultural centre.

NDMC

chairman Naresh Kumar, fresh from his China visit, is conceptualising the makeover which envisages the revival of a water body, creation of a fountain, improved lighting and special zones for children and elderly citizens.

“The project is in the planning stage,” Kumar said. “There is a water body in the park that has not been in use for over three years. We will revive it and put a stage within the lake for holding cultural events. The park will have free WiFi. We will improve the walkways, fencing and gates.”

Nehru Park, located near the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, was established in 1969 and named after the first prime minister of India. It is a popular gathering place for citizens living in

Lutyens’ Delhi

, who covet its 80 acres of greenery.

The ambitious plan is likely to take off by the end of this month and NDMC aims to finish the project by March 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore. “The proposal will be finalised soon and the actual work will begin by October end. It will take 5-6 months to complete,” Kumar said.

The major focus of the revamp will be on intensive plantation at the park. “In other countries, the concept of intensive plantation has proved beneficial, and we hope to replicate the same in Delhi,” Kumar said. “While we are at it, we also plan to improve the aesthetics of the city through intensive plantation on avenues and roundabouts.”

For children and senior citizens, NDMC will develop separate zones offering appropriate recreational activities. Alongside, the project will see installation of smart poles and digital interactive panels in the park, providing people access to WiFi and NDMC online services. “Once Nehru Park is upgraded, we will be able to arrange cultural events on weekends and thus provide a more relaxed environment to the people,” Kumar said.