The dip in temperature has brought a smile on faces and the weather is perfect to be outdoors. But then rains have added to our traffic woes. If you want to be outdoors and avoid the traffic, head to the Priyadarshini park in Saroornagar. Although the park has more visitors in the form of parents and their children, one often finds groups of youngsters taking selfies with their friends or enthusiasts having a ‘I-me-myself’ time by watching the sunset or children play.
Less crowd
Since the park has a lake adjacent to it, many compare it to the Lumbini park but assert this is much cleaner and less crowded. In fact, the area near the park makes for a good walk. One can even eat a cutlet or pani pooris at the nearby bandis or simply enjoy the view.
Inside, the surroundings are green and calming. The concrete stairs lead to lush lawns. One spots parents and even grandparents playing with their grandchildren. One can sit in a corner and watch the bursting energy of toddlers running around cheerfully or blowing bubbles. A little far from it is the children’s play area which has slides and swing. An instant smile comes when one looks at the nearby joy rides. The rides are only for toddlers and it is fun to watch the thrill and excitement on the little ones’ faces as they go on these rides.
Of laughter and chatter
There is chatter and laughter all around especially at a corner where a family of eight members sit in a circle. It looks as if thefamily is playing a game but when we look closer, we realise the youngsters are shooting a video through their phone. Each member speaks about their experiences in Hyderabad. Apparently the women have come on a vacation to the city and the video was being shot and shared with their relatives in Nalgonda.
Polluted lake
Frequent visitors inform that security is a issue here as there are no CCTV cameras. The boating facility is for water enthusiasts but the lake water is polluted, has moss and emanates foul smell. “During Vinayak Chavithi immersion, Ganesha idols from neighbouring areas are immersed here,” informs Surekha, a housewife. Now, the boating facility has been stopped temporarily because of the aquatic growth.
Narasimha Rao and his wife Sushma lament the lake has lost its glory. “This place is ideal for people living near Dilshuknagar and beyond. Many middle-class families come here as there is a lot of play area but the lake is in a neglected state.”
Rajesh, an executive with a private firm spends his Sunday evenings at the park. A resident of Kothapet, he states the distance is one of the major factors to choose the park. “I travel long distances every day for work so I prefer to come here.”
