Visakhapatnam beach is already bearing the brunt of sea surge
The eroded access road to the neglected Gokul Park near RK Beach in Visakha-patnam. (Photo: DC)
Visakhapatnam: While the Visakhapatnam beach is already bearing the brunt of sea surge, the parks along the beach in the city are also not faring well and in a state of utter neglect, particularly the Gokul Park and Lumbini Park. Fund crunch and the apathetic approach of the officials left these once-touted parks in shambles. They are currently reeling from an array of problems.
The Lumbini Park, which is located on the beautiful Beach Road, having Buddha statue in the middle, idyllic hills on one side and the blue sea on the other, was one of the first-generation parks in Vizag and served as a great tourist attraction. Given its poor condition, it has now turned into a no-man’s land and hardly draws any visitors. When this correspondent visited the park, only five members were seen in the park. The statues that were installed across the park were worn out and in a deplorable condition. The grass and plants in the park were also seen withered.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Dhanunjay, a middle-aged medical representative said, “Since there is no security guard deployed at this park, this has become a haven for mischievous youth and the locals mostly prefer to avoid it.” Gokul Park, a small park situated along RK Beach is a perfect place to enjoy the breeze of the sea in the evenings and to enjoy the panoramic view of the sea.
But this park is also in a sorry condition. Featuring a magnificent statue of Lord Krishna and Rukmini as a centre piece, the place used to be filled with tourists, from toddlers to elders. But with the onslaught of Cyclone Hudhud and sea surge, the park was severely damaged. No restoration works were undertaken in this park. But Sreenu, an auto-driver, is hopeful that the officials will save this park from further deterioration.
When contacted a GVMC official about the poor status of the Lumbini Park, he replied that the fund crunch is the main hurdle in the way of renovation works. But he denied any apathetic approach on their part.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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