Berhampur Development Authority Leases Rock Garden for 14 Years
The Berhampur Development Authority (BeDA) has taken a significant step to enhance the city's premier tourist attraction. On Saturday, the authority leased out the Ambapua rock garden for a period of fourteen years. A private organization secured the contract through a competitive tender process. This organization will now handle the complete operation and maintenance of this unique garden.
Financial and Operational Shift
The lease agreement comes with an annual rent of twelve lakh rupees. BeDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshir explained the decision. He stated that leasing the garden aims to generate revenue, improve service delivery, and elevate the overall visitor experience. The authority has withdrawn its staff from the site, including security personnel.
Ramesh Chandra Hansada, Secretary of BeDA, confirmed this move. Previously, BeDA employed around thirty people at the garden, with ten dedicated to security. An officer revealed that maintaining the garden was costing the authority approximately two lakh rupees in losses every month.
A Garden of Stone and Innovation
The Berhampur rock garden stands as the first-of-its-kind in the state. Inspired by the famous rock garden in Chandigarh, it spans nine acres. BeDA developed this project with an investment of about fourteen point eight five crore rupees. It officially opened to the public in October 2023.
The garden's design is remarkable. Artists carved almost all sculptures directly from stones. Concrete structures within the park are cleverly designed to mimic natural rock formations. The garden offers much more than sculptures depicting ancient civilization.
- A watch tower provides panoramic views.
- A dedicated children's park ensures family fun.
- Visitors can enjoy snacks at a food joint.
- Separate tracks cater to cycling and jogging enthusiasts.
- Ample seating space allows for relaxation.
- An LED Park, called 'Light of Joy', illuminates the area.
- Modern toilet facilities are available on-site.
Star Attractions and Daily Visits
Two features consistently draw crowds. The mirror maze and the cosmos gallery are the garden's most popular attractions. The mirror maze boasts a unique "ice age" theme. When visitors enter, dazzling lights create multiple reflections of themselves. The experience gives a surreal sensation of walking on ice.
Sources indicate that the garden receives an average of two hundred and fifty visitors each day. The new managing organization has the authority to utilize the parking area. They can also install additional facilities after obtaining permission from BeDA. The organization will employ its own staff to run the operations.
This leasing initiative marks a new chapter for Berhampur's iconic rock garden. The focus now shifts to private management delivering enhanced services and a memorable experience for all who visit.
