Nagaravanam at Kambalakonda being transformed into Vizag’s oasis

The project is expected to be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on March 30. Forest department officials are working diligently to complete the project before the deadline.

Kambalakonda, located opposite the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, already has several facilities. These are being expanded and modernised, while new facilities are being added, according to Visakhapatnam district forest officer Srivani.

The previous canteen has been completely removed. It has been replaced with a new structure made of grass and palm trees at a cost of ₹3.5 lakh. Adjacent to this, the dilapidated amphitheatre is being modernised with an expenditure of ₹3 lakh. Additionally, a 10-feet-high wooden deck, costing ₹2.5 lakh, is under construction between the canteen and the amphitheatre.

A new 15-feet-high wooden deck is being built near the damaged iron deck beside Degalagedda reservoir. This deck will cost ₹3.5 lakh and offer a boating facility. It will provide panoramic views of Kambalakonda and the surrounding hills. The guest house near the canteen is also being modernised with an allocation of ₹15 lakh, with air conditioning and other visitor facilities.

Grass walls are being installed at two locations adjacent to the Degalagedda reservoir. A walking track, approximately half-a-kilometre long and two metres’ wide, is being formed beside the reservoir. ₹5 lakh are being spent on modernising the previous yoga centre.

To improve accessibility, a new road is being constructed parallel to the highway in Kambalakonda, allowing access from the zoo's main gate. Forest range officer P.V. Shastri and deputy range officer Koteswara Rao recently inspected the on-going works and provided several suggestions to the contractor.

With these renovations and developments, Kambalakonda Nagaravanam is set to become a rejuvenating green space for the city’s residents, combining natural beauty with modern amenities.