The encroachment of Payakapuram tank and dumping of garbage in it will be a thing of the past. Very soon the tank will have a new look with the Vijayawada Guntur Tenali Mangalagiri Urban Development Authority (VGTMUDA) chalking out ambitious plans to revive it.
The authority has estimated that it will cost Rs.12.30 crore to restore the tank and turn it into a recreation zone or tourist spot. The Tourism Department will foot the bill.
The tank has water spread over an area of 8.05 acre, but, with no steps being taken to preserve the water body, the people used to fling trash into the tank.
Even the VMC used it as dumping ground for sometime. The tank has now become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and poses a health hazard.
The UDA, as part of rejuvenation plans, will de-silt the tank and remove garbage dumped into it.
An island will be developed in the middle of tank. The island proposal is made with an idea that it would attract migratory birds. The trees that are suitable for nesting would be planted on the island. Pathways, compound wall, benches, boating facility, development of greenery, construction of approach road were some of the other works proposed in the project.
Approach road
The 80-ft approach road, which is part of Zonal Development Plan, will connect the Inner Ring Road and Vambay Colony road.
The basic objective is to develop a lung space in the city, preserve water body and protect the site from encroachments, officials say.
The Payakapuram Tank is perhaps like an Oasis in the city. Owing to poor management and maintenance, the water body is totally covered with water hyacinth giving an impression as if a green carpet was laid there.
“Despite vigil and necessary measures, the tank continues to be plagued by encroachments and we thought of rejuvenating it. The UDA has been asked to prepare a project report for it and develop it. The funds will be met from budget of the Tourism Department,” says Vijayawada (Central) MLA Malladi Vishnu, who made the proposal.
