New parks as new year gift for Secunderabad

SECUNDERABAD: Residents of Ramnagar Gundu in Secunderabad can expect a longawaited new year's gift, as the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) finally sanctioned Rs 3 lakh for the development of a park at Lalitha Nagar. The 'dream' will have a joggers' park, swanky bences, and lush lawns.
“Work is likely to commence by December-end and would be completed by January 2017,“ said N Rajender Kumar, deputy director, horticulture department (north zone).
For residents of the area, this sanction is a culmination of a long-drawn campaign. “It's a dream come true for us as we have been fighting to get a colony park in an open land for a long time now,“ said Subba Rao, a former assistant engineer in irrigation department.
The residents of Lalitha Nagar are not alone. Barely 7 km away, residents of Sit haphalmandi are also overjoyed, as their area will soon get another park. Plans have already been submitted to GHMC.
The proposal of developing the two parks in the two areas in Secunderabad Circle-18 was initially floated two years ago. Each measures 9,000 sq ft and GHMC is protecting them by building compound walls and keeping vigil on land sharks. Two months ago, designs for the two parks, along with estimated costs, were sent to the GHMC for final approval.
Once the park is fully developed, it will be handed over to Lalitha Nagar residents for maintenance. Initially, the GHMC will pay the colonies Rs 5,000 every month for the joint upkeep of the park. GHMC officials will also visit the parks and suggest ways to maintain it better.