No takers for HMDA’s ambitious Bonthapally glamping project

HYDERABAD: The ambitious plans of the HMDA to transform more than 15 acres of the urban forest block at Bonthapally in Sangareddy district into a glamping site — a combination of "glamorous" and "camping," where nature meets modern luxury — at a cost of Rs 15 crore don't seem to have found any takers.

Although the HMDA had invited bids multiple times for construction of the site, private agencies have shown no interest in the project and, oddly, have not even responded to the municipal authority's request for proposals (RFP). If the project had gone forward, Hyderabadis would have had a wonderful chance to unwind and rejuvenate in the weekend getaway.

According to the HMDA's proposal, the glamping site was to have tent villas and canvas camps outfitted with creature comforts with wide-ranging lodging options. In addition to facilities like observation towers and adventure activities, the project was to offer glampers treks, safari tours, and the opportunity to view birds from private decks. The glamping site was to house 15 to 25 luxury tents of minimum 600 sqft space each.

HMDA had invited bids for the Rs 15 crore project, which would be implemented on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis, in September of last year. The project was proposed to be built on a 15-acre parcel of land as a "license to operate” model. The HMDA announced RFPs for the construction of the private-public partnership project, with a 15-year licence period. The HMDA specified that the successful bidder must make sure not to disrupt the ecosystem and the sound levels don't surpass 53 deciBels.

The tenders were once more invited after the initial bid invitations of September did not draw a response, but these too were ignored.

A senior HMDA official told Deccan Chronicle that the nodal agency received lukewarm response, but that they are hopeful of attracting investors for future bids. The glamping site will be on par with 3-star or above luxury accommodations as per the requirements set forth by the tourism ministry, he said.