Lumbini Park's development to cost more.

The much awaited development of Lumbini Park near Aphu Ghar on Beach Road will incure additional cost, the authorities have said, attributing it to some changes in the original plan.

With the sea on one side and hills on the other, Lumbini Park, among the first-generation parks in the city, was chosen for redevlopment under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in 2015-16 fiscal at an estimated cost ₹1.07 crore. The project was entrusted to Andhra Pradesh Urban Greening and Beautification Corporation (APUGBC). According to APUGBC officials, now the park will have a five-metre-high Buddha statue instead of three metre as proposed in the original plan.

“Apart from this, a retaining wall with grille on the rear and separate front wall and grille will be constructed. Instead of proposed ‘morrum’ (consolidated earth) pathway, a granite one with kerb stones will be laid. All these have pushed up the project cost,” said A.V.S.R.K. Appanna, Zonal Manager of APUGBC, adding that the costly kerb stones were being procured from Bengaluru.

Referring to the revised project cost, he said the MA&UD Department had issued order, according administrative sanction to release an additional amount of ₹1.48 lakh from the general funds of the GVMC.

Besides the Buddha statue, Mr. Appanna said seven pillars with Buddhist motifs would also be installed. However, the existing sculptures depicting classical dance postures at the park would be retained.

“A round granite seating arrangement will be made. Flowerbeds and children play area among others will come up. The existing canteen and booking office will be improved. About 30 % of the 1.83-acre park area will be reserved to develop greenery with small and ornamental plants. The works will be completed in the next two months,” Mr. Appanna added.

THE HINDU