Almatti's Rs 9.4 Crore Water Park Set for Grand Inauguration on March 1
A state-of-the-art water park, constructed at a substantial cost of Rs 9.4 crore, is poised for its grand inauguration on March 1 in Almatti, Vijayapura. This ambitious project, which commenced construction in 2022 and reached completion in 2024, is designed to serve as a significant value-added attraction for visitors to the region.
Extensive Facilities and Water Sports
According to D Basavaraj, the chief engineer of Krishna Bhagya Jal Nigam Limited, Dam Zone, Almatti, the water park boasts an impressive array of features spread across five distinct sections. The facility includes five different ponds equipped with inner tanks that facilitate water recycling and continuous flow, ensuring an eco-friendly operation.
The park is constructed on a sprawling 5-acre plot of land located strategically behind the helipad. It is outfitted with a variety of thrilling water sports and amenities, such as:
- A 150-meter-long slide with a height of 9 meters
- A 90-meter-long slide with a height of 6 meters
- A rain wave pond and a lazy river for relaxed enjoyment
- Water pride attractions, locker rooms, and a fully-equipped cafeteria
- A first aid centre, bathrooms, and facilities for other events and sports
Inauguration and Maintenance Details
The inauguration ceremony on March 1 will be graced by prominent dignitaries, including District Minister MB Patil and Minister Shivanand Patil, who also serves as the local MLA. Their participation underscores the project's importance to the local community and tourism sector.
Tarasingh Doddamani, the executive engineer involved in the project, revealed that the inauguration faced delays due to challenges in securing a maintenance bidder. The tender was floated three times without success until an agency from Solapur stepped forward. This agency has committed to maintaining the park at an annual cost of Rs 60 lakh, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Prior to the official opening, the park underwent rigorous testing with trial runs conducted four to five times to guarantee safety and operational efficiency.
Boosting Tourism in Almatti
Manjunath Hiremath, the former president of Almatti Gram Panchayat, highlighted the potential impact of the water park on local tourism. He noted that Almatti traditionally experiences a decline in tourist numbers during the summer season. With the introduction of this modern water park, authorities anticipate a significant increase in visitors, bringing summer tourism on par with the rainy and winter seasons.
This development is expected to not only enhance recreational options but also stimulate the local economy by attracting more tourists year-round.