Hyderabad: Krishna Kanth Park struggles with neglected water bodies and invasive plants
Krishna Kanth Park in Hyderabad faces overgrowth of water hyacinth and weeds in its water bodies, causing foul odours and affecting visitors. Officials plan annual cleaning, but lack of maintenance diminishes the park’s charm and ecological balance.
Hyderabad: Since recent monsoon, the water bodies at Krishna Kanth Park are overrun with water hyacinth and weed leaving a bitter experience for visitors to the park .
The park, spread over 22 acres in the heart of the city, close to Yousufguda and Jubilee Hills, is noted for its abundance of greenery and is comparable to other major parks such as KBR Park and JVR Park.
Although the three water bodies her brimmed with the recent monsoon, they remain in a deplorable condition. Invasive plants tarnish the park’s aesthetic appeal and potentially harm the local ecosystem.
Regular park-goers report that unchecked growth of water hyacinth was affecting the ecological balance of the ponds. “The situation has persisted for several months. The presence of hyacinth is making the water bodies unsightly and contributing to foul odours,” said Rajeswar Rao, a walker.
“The park’s lush greenery and meticulously designed landscapes provide an ambience of peace and tranquillity, but water bodies emit bad odour and spoil meditation and Yoga practice,” said a morning walker.
On regular days, 500 to 700 visitors, and 1,000 to 1,200 during weekends, visit the park. However, the charm of the park is being lost due to official apathy in maintaining the water bodies and the resulting stench.
A senior GHMC Urban Biodiversity wing official said cleaning would be conducted once a year after the rainy season and that the process would soon be taken up in all three water bodies.
The park was named after Krishna Kanth, former Vice President of India and former Governor of United Andhra Pradesh, who laid the foundation stone of the park.
Krishna Kanth Park is open from 5 am to 9 pm daily.
The entry ticket is Rs 10 for adults.
For children aged 5 to 10 years, the ticket is Rs 2, and for those below 5 years, entry is free.
Jogging and walking paths, a special area earmarked for children with play equipment, and fitness equipment for the public are available in the park
