No takers for HMDA\'s ambitious Bonthapally glamping project

Hyderabad: The ambitious plans of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to transform more than 15 acres of the Urban Forest Block at Bonthapally in Sangareddy district into a glamping site - a combination of "glamorous" and "camping," where pristine nature meets modern luxury-at a cost of Rs 15 crore don't seem to have found any takers.

Although the HMDA invited bids multiple times, private agencies have so far shown no interest in the project and, oddly, have not even responded to the municipal authority's request for proposals (RFP). If the project had gone forward, Hyderabadis would have had a wonderful chance to unwind and rejuvenate in the weekend getaway that combined luxury with adventure in a natural setting.

According to the HMDA's proposal, the glamping site was to have luxurious tent villas and canvas camps outfitted with all modern creature comforts with a wide-ranging lodging options. In addition to facilities like observation towers and a variety of adventurous activities at the location, the project offers glampers treks, safari tours, and the opportunity to view birds from private bird-watching decks. The glamping site was to house 15 to 25 luxury tents of minimum 600 sqft space each.

A brief overview of the project shows that the HMDA invited bids for the Rs 15 crore project, which would be implemented on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, in September of last year. The project was proposed to be built on a 15-acre parcel of land as a "License to Operate" model. The HMDA announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the construction of the PPP project, with a 15-year licence period, from qualified and interested developers, investors, and operators of tourism projects. The successful bidder must make sure not to disrupt the natural ecosystem in such a way that sound levels at glamping locations don't surpass 53 decibels.

The scope of work will include design, build, finance, procurement and construction, operation and maintenance (O&M), and transfer of the project
facilities to the HMDA at the end of the agreement period.  At the end of the licensees' period, along with the design, build, finance, procurement, and construction phases, the project's facilities will be passed to HMDA.

The tenders were once more invited after the initial bid invitations were made in September of last year, but nobody responded. A senior HMDA official told Deccan Chronicle that the nodal agency received lukewarm response, but that they are hopeful of attracting investors for future bids. The glamping site will be on par with 3-star or above luxury accommodations as per the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Tourism, he said.

Glamping project

Where?

Urban Forest Block at Bonthapally in Sangareddy district

What?

Glamorous+camping = Glamping.

Facilities

Outdoor camping at a glamping resort includes luxury amenities and
contemporary comforts.

Trekking, safari experiences, and the chance to watch birds from
bird-watching decks will be available to glampers.

The glamping site consists of 15 to 25 luxury tents, each at least 600
square feet in size and equipped to three-star standards or better.

Project cost

Rs 15 crore

Area

15 acres