The Vaccine depot which has a long history to it came into the limelight when there were rumors that it will be a good site for building the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha in August 2007. Environmentalists and nature lovers came together and raised the voice that the rich heritage and the flora and fauna should be saved and preserved.
The government also headed to the demand in late 2008 and it was decided by BUDA (Belagavi Urban Development Authority) that a Heritage park needs to be set up in these 100 acres Vaccine depot without cutting or demolishing many buildings housed in it. In fact, even a foundation stone was laid. In 2009 Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Limited made a report on the same and viability of a heritage park and this story is made from that report.
A new tender has been floated for this development for Rs, 17,24,02,000.00/- (17.24 Crores) and work has to be completed in 18 months.
The Check-Weir Project undertaken in the Vaccine Depot is on verge of completion.
The park will have: Driveway, parking, cycle track, jogging track, service path, drinking water fountains, Zodiac Garden Path, children’s adventure village, heritage exhibition area, reflexology path, Public toilet, Open Gym, Open lawns for Yoga, Laughter clubs, Grameen Bharat Sculpture Court, Stepped seating near Check dam bridge, Herbal Garden.
Now the same Heritage park has been proposed to be developed under the Smart city project. The same project made in 2009 has been embodied in this smart city plan. Nothing under the Smart city plan has commenced hence we are still unclear when the actual work on the same would commence.
The Heritage projects within the ABD area under the SMART city component includes. The extent of Heritage Park is 156 acres.
The purpose for the development of the project is to preserve and portray Belagavi’s heritage. To provide a platform for the city’s craftsmen to exhibit their art and also generate employment opportunities for the same. To create urban green space for the citizens through the concept of “Community Park”.
They have forgotten Trash can in the list of things park will have.