HYDERABAD: The Kothwalguda Eco Park, which was supposed to abut Himayatsagar lake has been long overdue but it is likely to come up soon with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) deciding to develop the park in public-private partnership (PPP) mode and inviting eligible developers to build the park over 85 acres.
The eco park will have a ‘Miracle Garden,’ a herbal garden, rose garden, artificial waterfall, artificial pool, amphi-theatre, temporary cottages and huts, entertainment zone and amusement parks, parking lots, souvenir shops and food courts.
The ecosystem in the area had become highly-disturbed and was under exploitation from stone quarrying. Having natural rock boulders, it has undergone geological changes. The area was degraded and is devoid of vegetation now. HMDA launched afforestation of the park area in 2014-15.
HMDA has identified a site in Kothwalguda adjacent to the Outer Ring Road (ORR). The project will be implemented through a special purpose company (SPC) to be set up by the selected developer or consortium who will hold a minimum of 51 per cent of its equity capital.
HMDA will provide land to the SPC on a lease of maximum of 33 years including the development period.
HMDA officials said that they would identify a private partner for development of recreational, leisure, amusement, entertainment, green zone, garden facilities for tourists in the 85-acre area.
The site has a view of Himayatsagar lake but falls under the influence area of GO Ms No.111 that was issued in 1996.
The land use of major area is classified as recreational and conservation use in master plan. The developer has to take into account the implications of the GO and any other orders issued from time to time and make their assumptions about development of the project accordingly. Developers will be free to implement their own concepts and designs taking into consideration all the applicable norms and regulations.