Mudasarlova Park to get a new look

Existing greenery will not be disturbed, says architect

Architect Raj Expedith speaking to the media in Visakhapatnam on Monday.

The refurbishment of the Mudasarlova Park will be aesthetic, artistic and sustainable and create an entirely different park maintaining its ecology, architect Raj Expedith has said.

Speaking to reporters after a visit to the park, he said the existing greenery would not be disturbed and the reservoir would be barricaded from the park side to prevent any vandalism.

The park will be entirely different with priority for leisure and gardens and in the first phase of refurbishment priority would be given to infrastructure with parking, toilets and solid waste management.

While the ecology would be upgraded, maintenance was most important to make it sustainable at least for five years, he said.

In the second phase, unique miniature village was contemplated and it would be for the first time in the country. “Using archives and local artistes we would like to create the Visakhapatnam of 1920s and 30s when it was fishermen’s village,” Mr. Expedith said. Contrary to what was being thought, it would take not take much space. Walkways would be created to re-create the experience for visitors.

Mr. Expedith, who had done several projects in Hyderabad including the University of Hyderabad, KBR Park, Lumbini Park and restoration of clock tower in Secunderabad, said he had brought hard and soft landscaping concepts to the country. He worked as landscaping architect on several projects abroad.

Managing Director of A P Urban Greening and Beautification Corporation N. Chandramohan Reddy said apart from the 15 acres of park 10 acres adjacent to it would also be developed. However, all the existing trees would be retained and a more than 100-year-old banyan tree would be a major attraction. Besides, ornamental, native species like ‘togaru’ would be developed instead of foreign species would be invasive and would not attract birds. The ecologically sensitive nature of the area would be retained. The corporation would bring out a book on top 100 native species and collect seeds also. A nursery would be started in Visakhapatnam too.

He said it would take two months to finalise the concept and call for tenders.

VUDA Vice-Chairman P. Basanth Kumar said Mr. Expedith and Mr. Reddy were a successful duo who worked on several projects together. With their hand-holding and experience the project would be taken up.

While infrastructure would be developed in Phase I, revenue-earning theme parks would be taken up in Phase II.