Khammam: The SUDA Park cum Bruhat Palle Prakruthi Vanam in Raghunathapalem near Khammam, once a lively spot, is now in poor condition. The 14.37-acre park, established two years ago, is overrun by weeds and wild growth. Its sculptures and fountains are damaged.
A total of Rs 2.06 crore was invested in developing the park. This included Rs 1.5 crore from the Stambhadri Urban Development Authority (SUDA), Rs 36 lakh from MGNREGS, and Rs 20 lakh from the Raghunathapalem Gram Panchayat.
Located on the Khammam-Yellandu road, the park features a large plantation, a walking track, an outdoor gym, a fountain, and a small tank bund spanning 4.42 acres. Eight acres were used for the plantation, and six acres for the tank bund.
Previously, sanitation workers, watchmen, and pump operators maintained the park. Due to financial issues, these staff members are no longer available. Srinivas Kumar, the gram panchayat secretary, mentioned that there are over Rs 2.5 lakh in unpaid maintenance expenses.
The park is the largest Palle Prakruthi Vanam created in the district during the previous BRS era, containing up to 23,000 different plant species. A drip irrigation system, now out of use, was set up to water the plants.
Former SUDA Chairman B Vijay Kumar said that SUDA used to spend Rs 10 lakh a year on park maintenance during the BRS period, but funds are currently unavailable.
The lack of a watchman has led to equipment theft in the park.
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, who represents the Khammam Assembly seat, had requested that funds be released for the park’s proper upkeep.
