Vijayawada, Nov. 9: Gandhi hill, one of the important tourist sites in the city, has lost its charm and has been transformed into a rendezvous for lovers.

Due to lack of development and recreation facilities the visitors are reluctant to visit the Gandhi hill, which was named after Mahatma Gandhi and is famous for the Gandhi Stupa. The Stupa is perched on top of the hill at an elevation of 500 feet. Scores of lovers are seen on the hill creating unpleasant environs for the children and family members.

The Gandhi Memorial Stupa was built in 1968 with a height of 15.8 metres on the hilltop.

The inspiring teachings of Mahatma Gandhi are inscribed on the stone slabs of the stupas.

The Gandhi Memorial Library has also lost its charm. Nearly 100 old pictures of Gandhi are there in the library while the books are gathering dust in the wardrobe. No additions were made to the library for a very long time. The library was one of the important tourist places in the district with a large number of visitors.

The Library portrays important events in the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

A sound and light show depicting the life of Gandhi used to be organised some decades ago. The programme was also cancelled. The existing play equipment on the hilltop was arranged long ago. Since then, nothing has been added for the recreation of children.

The toy train is the only entertainment for the visitors. On payment of Rs 5, children can have a wonderful view of the city from the hilltop.

A small train with a capacity of 30 passengers moves on the hill giving a panoramic view of the city. An employee of the Gandhi Hill Foundation which looks after the hill said change in the lifestyles of the people is one of the reasons for the decreasing number of visitors to the Gandhi hill.

Gandhi planetarium, which was the second one next to the Birla planetarium in Kolkatta when established, is still one of the attractions on the Gandhi hill. Many schoolchildren visit the planetarium to become aware of the solar system.

Mr Madhava Rao, the operator, said new equipment would arrive in December to enhance the quality of the show.