Notwithstanding the strong opposition to a proposal to convert the PWD Grounds popularly known as the Swaraj Maidan into a park, the State government is apparently going ahead with its plans.
The officials have started work to put up a boundary with tin sheds. The ground is being totally enclosed with tin sheets in such a way that nothing can be seen from outside or none can enter it.
The Government has set a deadline for removal of constructions by July. The city may have a well-developed park there before the Krishna Pushkarams but it will be deprived of an open space. The only lung space in the city will soon disappear with the Government being firm on its decision.
The security personnel of the Chief Minister have already occupied a portion of the ground and put up their tents. The Government hasn’t given permission for annual events like the Vijayawada Book Festival citing security reasons.
The move is opposed by the public on many counts. The city is already starved of open spaces where children play and elders walk around. Swaraj Maidan is the only avenue for recreation for the citizens. It witnessed many political developments. It is a place where the religious and spiritual leaders captivated their followers.
Profit making
It is the only place available in the city for annual events like the Book Festival and industrial exhibitions. This apart, it serves as a playground for the youth, place for morning walkers and a ground for motor vehicle learners.
Tax-payers point out that there are tens of parks in the city that were badly maintained and the new proposal is aimed at profit making.
The city has 126 parks and by ensuring their proper upkeep, the civic authorities would be making plenty of lung-space available for the citizens.
Tax-Payers Association (TPA) secretary M.V. Anjaneyulu points out that the 11-acre PWD grounds has shrunk in size due to Rythu Bazaar and quarters.
The multipurpose ground is a popular place for temporary exhibitions like handloom melas and myriad public gatherings, he adds.
“The Government is making tall claims of constructing a world class capital by 2018. If the Government is so confident that the new capital city Amaravati would be a reality, why it is bent on converting the only open space in city into a park?” asks Congress leader Kolanukonda Sivaji.
