The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) will undertake the development of 60 theme parks, along with dedicated cycling tracks across the city, announced GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg on Friday. The initiative aims to improve the physical and mental well-being of citizens while prioritising environmental protection, community participation, and the development of heritage sites.

The Commissioner shared that the the parks would be developed at an estimated cost of ₹10.97 crore. GVMC presently maintains a total of 174 parks across all its zones, including 139 colony parks spread over 151 acres. Out of these, 60 parks requiring further improvement have been identified and grouped into six packages for development as exclusive theme parks at an estimated cost of ₹10.97 crore.

“Each park will be developed with a unique themes —nature, adventure, fitness, children, and others,” he said.

These theme parks will feature landscaped gardens, flower beds, walking and jogging tracks, theme-based children’s play equipment, open gyms, yoga zones, cultural and educational exhibits, sculptures, murals, information boards, fountains and water features, RCC benches, seating and resting areas, CCTV surveillance systems, solar-powered lighting, drinking water facilities, toilets, decorative illumination, and irrigation facilities for plants. The parks will also incorporate environmentally sustainable measures such as rainwater harvesting, the use of recycled materials, plantation of native and low-water-consuming species, and other eco-friendly practices, he added.

Cycling track

To encourage a cycling culture and provide a healthy and pleasant environment while reducing pollution, the GVMC has proposed the development of dedicated ‘Beach Front Cycling Track’ near Sagar Nagar Beach, measuring 700 metres in length and 10 feet in width, at an estimated cost of ₹2 crore.

Similarly, a City Cycling Track has been proposed in the vicinity of the Arilova Skill Development Centre, measuring 5.20 kilometres in length and 2.70 metres in width, at an estimated cost of approximately ₹3 crore. These projects have been designed to promote cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport among city residents, Mr Garg said.

Heritage Track

Mr. Garg shared that the GVMC has completed the development of a Heritage Walking Track in the South Zone from Poorna Market to the One Town Police Station. The track extends for 1.20 kilometres with a width of 7.5 feet and has been developed at a cost of ₹42 lakh. For the convenience of heritage walkers, the project includes signboards, directional indicators throughout the route, he said, adding that the ‘Heritage Walking Track’ will soon be opened for public use.

Cycling Day

Meanwhile, Mr Ketan Garg also announced that GVMC has decided to voluntarily observe every Monday as “Cycling Day” within its limits. Official advisories have been issued to all Heads of Departments (HODs) and Zonal Commissioners, encouraging officers and employees to commute to their offices by bicycle as far as possible.