CRDA to develop greenery on airport road at Rs. 2.60 cr.

In the next couple of months, a 10-km stretch of road from Gannavaram airport to the city will sport a new look. The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has chalked out plan to rework the greenery on the median of National Highway (NH) to give a feel of the Capital region.

The central median of the highway looks shabby. In order to develop greenery and also to beautify the stretch from airport, the CRDA is proposing to raise plants that give 'a 3-tier look'. The Authority has identified three varieties of plants - ficus benjimina, neerium tall and bougainvillea glabra - that flower throughout the year.

The top tier will have topiary plants like Ficus benjimina while the second one will have flowering plants of Neerium tall or other suitable species. Bougainvillia glabra or other species would be planted as the third tier. About 200 Ficus benjimina, 600 Neerium tall and 8,000 Bougainvillea would come up on the median.

Keeping in view the scale and importance of the capital city and regional development, the greenery and aesthetic look on airport road is planned. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 2.62 crore, officials say.

The CRDA officials are studying various options for another stretch of 8-km that has median less than a metre. The National Highways Authority (NHAI) presently fixed an iron mesh to prevent crossing of the median where there are no entry or exit points. The CRDA is planning to plant drooping bougainvillea to cover the mesh and give a lush green look. However, it is yet to be finalized, officials say.

The CRDA authorities have selected Kadiyam-based M/s Green Cross Agri Clinic and Agri Business Centre after scrutinizing 8 tenders. The firm was selected based on quality cum cost rather than lowest tender. The works will commence shortly. The successful bidder would have to maintain the greenery for a year after execution of the project, sources say.


THE HINDU