: A little over a month ahead of Krishna Pushkarams that have kept the official machinery in the new State engaged in planning and executing elaborate arrangements for the mega river festival, officials are focused on lending a touch of novelty to this once-in-a-12-year carnival.
Besides provision of basic amenities for the scores of pilgrims expected to throng the ghats for a holy dip in the river, efforts are on to beautify the ghats by bringing into play novel components that are said to be the first of their kind.
Going by the magnitude of preparations and the keenness of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to make the event a grand success, the visitors may have many a surprise in store.
Strategic points
The proposed Pushkar Nagars at strategic points in the city will be special attractions as private firms are being roped in to introduce attractive and striking features that will lend a touch of sophistication to the place.
For instance, one of the Pushkar Nagars will flaunt a luxury cruise bus.
This red colour opulent ‘land cruise’ is fully air-conditioned and has inside a flexible bedroom-cum-hall with four single beds and eight chairs, a bio-toilet and a kids’ bedroom designed in a cabin that comes above the driver’s seat. “The vehicle is equipped with monitors that will allow officials to monitor the ghats from here,” says Sree Ranga Sai, Manager (Operations), Vijayawada, of Champions’ Yacht Club, a Goa-based yachting firm.
In addition, the firm will also press into service at least five caravans, vehicles with plush interiors near Harita Berm Park. These swanky vehicles could be put to use for the VIPs visiting the place.
Tensile structure
A large tensile structure will be yet another novel feature this time around. The officials plan to raise a tensile stretch which can accommodate at least 10,000 people under it. Pilgrims coming from outside the State could make use of these shelters to sleep at night.
These pre-engineered and fabricated structures provide excellent aesthetic weather-proofing solutions.
“They have compact design, sturdy construction and easy to install. Its translucent membrane allows even distribution of light thus reducing the lighting requirement inside apart from UV protection during daytime,” he explains.
Pre-fabricated food courts
Pre-fabricated food courts and kiosks which could be easily installed and moved from one place to the other will dot the space behind ghats.
