The Hindu         02.12.2011

VMC to develop educational parks on Gunadala Hill

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) will develop children's parks on Gunadala Hill very soon. The parks are one of the few other developmental projects that are proposed on the hill. The estimates for creating the parks for children are being worked out. The parks will be designed as scientific, educational and recreational places for children, said Municipal Commissioner G. Ravi Babu. They would help children understand basic facts of science, apart from recreation. The parks would be developed with a low budget on private public partnership (PPP) mode. The VMC will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) before end of this month, he added. The corporation was planning a slew of developmental projects on Gunadala Hill. An eco-tourism park in 10 acre of land with an estimated cost of Rs.15 crore is one of the main proposals. Providing trekking facilities at Gunadala hill was also on cards. Gunadala Hill is noted for the famous Mary Matha shrine, which is on the South East face of the hill. A trekking track will be developed on the north west face of the hill. The track will begin at the foot of the hill near the shrine and end at the top of the hill. The corporation proposes to construct view points, food joints en route the trekking track. The track is being developed at Gunadala to provide youth with recreation facilities in the city.

It would be an adventurous trip to the top of the hill. Visitors could enjoy the night and watch glittering stars from their camps. Tents, camp fire would be some of the attractive features.