Green lungs: The GVMC has identified 26 parks in eight zones in the city for development. more-in In an attempt to create recreational and leisure space in parts of the city away from the core area, the GVMC will develop three big parks. The three parks will come up at Swatantranagar in Ward 5 of Zone 1, Satyanagar in Ward 70 of Vepagunta and Housing Board Colony of Gajuwaka in Ward 52. “These parks are being developed in areas that have no big parks maintained by the VUDA or the GVMC,” Municipal Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan said. The parks will have common features like landscaping, walking track, native species of trees, shrubs, play area and amphitheatre for community activities. The Swatantranagar Park will be developed in 3.25 acres with an investment of ?1.94 crore, Satyanagar in 1.1 acre with a cost of ?1.12 crore and the biggest of them, at H B Colony in 4.72 acres, spending ?1.98 crore. In the H. B. Colony Park, about 40 % of space will be devoted to all age groups and women for play activities and will have a water body and fountain too. However, the works can’t be undertaken early with the repeated calls for tenders. For two of them—at Swatantranagar and Satyanagar—the tendering process is in final stages, it is learnt. For the HB Colony Park, it may take a little longer. The works is expected to be completed within five months after finalising the tenders. The parks will be developed by the GVMC, earmarking money from its general funds. Focus on colony With resident welfare associations (RWAs) coming forward, the GVMC has identified 26 parks in eight zones of the city, including Anakapalle and Bhimunipatnam, for development during the year. Of them, Zone VI accounts for the maximum of seven. Open spaces in various layouts will be developed with compound wall, walking track, watchman's shed and with 50 % greenery spending between ?10 lakh to ?18 lakh. Of the cost, RWAs have to bear one-third and the remaining will be borne by the corporation. Officials say the corporation is ready to take up more parks if RWAs in colonies come forward.

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