Green colonnades to open-air gym: Warangal gets smart makeover ahead of Municipal polls

Warangal Urban: Come Municipal polls, Warangal gets a smart makeover. Thanks to the efforts of Kakatiya Urban Development Authority and Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation, its quaint look will soon be a thing of the past.

With municipal elections just around the corner, the state government has gone into an overdrive to beautify the ancient city, which was once the capital of Kakatiya Kingdom.

Traffic islands show off more greenery and smart street lighting creates a different feel. Giant animal effigies, new fountains, and figures representing the local culture adorn the public places.

Sprawling public gardens in the heart of the city is being spruced up with more greenery. Statues in Suryanamaskar pose are adding to the grace and grandeur. Saplings are being planted on a large scale to attract butterflies.

The Bhadrakali Geo-Biodiversity cultural Park along the Bhadrakali bund stands out as the best lakefront promenade of South India. Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development KT Rama Rao, who inaugurated the park, was all praise of the officials.

Funded by the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), the project has been completed at a cost of Rs 32 crore. "Warangal has already gained recognition as cultural, tourism, and education hub. The Bhadrakali bund, built with world-class standards is one of its kind in entire Asia. The ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)-made walking track, play zone, and other elements make it stand out. We expect film shootings to take place in this location. It provides a serene atmosphere for the citizens to spend quality time with their family members. The bund reflects the architecture of the Kakatiya rulers," said Government Chief Whip Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar.

GWMC commissioner Pamela Satpathy said citizens can experience the state-of-the-art amenities while spending quality time walking by Bhadrakali Lake. Green colonnades, open-air gym, playing area and the integrated landscape lighting is adding to the ambiance.

Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA) chairman Marri Yadava Reddy said the promenade has the potential to become one of the best exotic locations in the country.

"Warangal, which is already a tourist spot, has one more place to boast of. Its features beat the Tank Bund and Necklace Road in Hyderabad. This place will attract both domestic and foreign tourists. The stone-carved arches and stone revetment are pleasing to the eye and the modern lighting system is going to create a peaceful mood," he said.