Gandhi Hill, the first Gandhi memorial in the country to be built on a hillock, is finally being given a facelift after a prolonged neglect.
Of the several grandiose plans announced by the Chandrababu Naidu’s government to transform Vijayawada region into a world tourist destination, the Gandhi Hill is the only project that has been taken up for renovation, for now.
“We have invited contractors to execute the agreements pertaining to the renovation project and works should commence very soon,” said S. Suryaprakash Rao, Divisional Manager of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).
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Located at an elevation of 500 ft (150 m) above the main city of Vijayawada, this elevated place was a popular tourist spot that attracted a good number of people to the hillock that also provides a panoramic view of the city.
The APTDC has received funds to the tune of Rs. 3 crore allocated under the Central Financial Assistance to beautify the hilltop space perched behind the Vijayawada railway station in Tarapet area of the city.
The meandering road that used to be a joyride up the hill is reduced to broken and eroded remnants of a cement structure.
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The place up the hill is strewn with dry and dead leaves and heaps of dust has gathered on the cement benches that were occupied by visitors who would buy snacks from a nearby stall and sit on the benches for long hours taking in the beautiful lush green surroundings.
Today, a visitor is greeted with discarded plastic bags, crushed bottles and pieces of soiled newspapers that lie scattered all over the place.
Old-timers recollect how the place was kept spic and span and that littering of the place was a complete anathema.
The first phase of works will be taken up at a cost of Rs. 61 lakh and the project envisages upgradation of the existing planetarium, setting up of food courts and an amphitheatre besides replacing the remnants of the existing toy train with battery-operated buggies and illuminating the entire area.
The historic library with a large collection of books on Gandhi will also be brought to use.
“The place has great significance and the whole idea of smarten it up once again by bringing back its lost sheen,” says Mr. Rao.
We have invited contractors to execute the agreements pertaining to the renovation project and works should commence very soon
S. Suryaprakash Rao
APTDC Divisional Manager