The deck has been cleared for a long-awaited renovation on Bhavani Island on the banks of the Krishna River in Vijayawada. The government is working on an ambitious plan to make the island a major tourist destination by consolidating her six other nearby islands.
Life is slowly returning to the island, which was off-limits due to flooding that partially submerged in July this year. It was recently opened to the public, but the playground equipment and playground equipment damaged by the flooding are being repaired.
A short ferry ride from Punami Ghat, the picturesque river island is considered a treasured possession of tourism in Andhra Pradesh, but is ‘fully explored’ with vast potential for development. There is no ‘remains of the lagoon’. The 270-hectare lush green expanse features local flora rich in biodiversity and a unique riparian ecosystem that is home to many species of birds.
new attraction
After leaving the island after a long period of neglect, the government, through the Bhavani Island Tourism Corporation (BITC), spent Rs. Selfie Point, Wall Garden, Flower Clock, Maze Garden, Multimedia Game Zone, Robotic Jurassic Park, Mirror Maze, Golf Court Simulator in Virtual Reality Mode, Cricket, Children’s Play Zone and other attractions, plus currently Some of the new features scattered around the island.
Designed by Studio POD, a Mumbai-based urban planning, urban design and architecture firm, the master plan will feature multiple features such as an open park, a dedicated bird park, a botanical garden and cultural facilities including a museum showcasing local art is expected to be developed. History, performance venue and amphitheater for hosting regular music concerts and theatrical performances.
“Of the total island area of 650 acres, we currently only use 130. The idea is to fill the entire sprawl with adventure and fun activities.”K. Khanna BabuManaging Director of APTDC
A retail hub with a mix of shops, cafes and restaurants will also spawn on the island. “Of the total island area of 650 acres, only 130 are currently in use. K, Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) and CEO of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) Mr Khanna Babu said:
“A photovoltaic park is also planned to meet the energy requirements of all facilities proposed for development on the island. Boardwalks and nature trails will form a network along the trails to offer visitors different experiences. The Toy Train route gives visitors a view of all the attractions on the island,” says Khanna Babu.
Emphasizing the importance of open space and the privilege of those who come here from the concrete jungle, he says more than 50% of the island will be left as natural, untouched space.
ropeway
Suspension of boating activity on the Krishna River by the Irrigation Department has resulted in the closure of the island, perhaps the only recreational destination for the people of Vijayawada city and its surroundings, when it rains every year, making the place inaccessible to the fun-loving people. lose.
“We hope to address this issue by starting a ropeway from Indrakheeradri hill to the balm park and from there to the island,” said Khanna Babu, who said the request for proposal (RFP) for the project several weeks.
“Once that is done, we will be able to open the island from 9am to 9pm,” he says.
Some of the new features planned for the island will be developed in PPP mode, while others will be funded by the tourism sector.
