Bathukamma Kunta in Jangaon Crying for Care

Warangal: The Bathukamma Kunta, the only recreation park in the district, is wallowing in neglect due to a lack of care and attention by the management.

For residents of Jangaon town and those visiting the district headquarters from outside, there is nowhere to go as this is the only place for recreation in the town.

Although this is under the supervision of the Jangaon municipality, there are allegations of gross negligence such as zero sanitation measures, malfunctioning streetlights, polluting drain and stinking toilets.

In 2014, the BRS government had taken up the beautification of the Dharmoni Kunta which was renamed as Bathukamma Kunta. The government decided to transform it like Komati Cheruvu of Siddipet and Tank Bund of Hyderabad.

The government had also sanctioned Rs 2 crore in two phases (2014, 2018). A spacious ground, a walking track around the pond, a helipad and an open gym were developed. At the same time, the officials also constructed a Durga Matha temple and started celebrating the Bathukamma and Dussehra festivals.

Boating facilities, a play garden for children and additional gardening are yet to be completed while gym equipment were installed improperly without CCTV surveillance. Residents urged the government to complete the pending works as early as possible.

Members of the walkers’ association said the ground at Bathukamma Kunat can be used in various ways, but due to patchy maintenance, it is not being used. The walkers’ association is ready to take responsibility for the installation of CCTVs after the completion of the pending work.

Vankoduth Anitha, local councilor, told Deccan Chronicle that Rs 90 lakh was sanctioned by the government. The officials must construct a compound wall surrounding Bathukamma Kunta and complete the pending works. The issue has been taken to the notice of the district collector, local MLA and civic officials, she added.

Meanwhile, additional collector Pinkesh Kumar along with municipal chairperson Pokal Jamuna inspected the Bathukamma Kunta and ordered officials to submit a report with proposals for developmental works.