EXCLUSIVE Story First on AAB.
The Vaccine depot which has a long history to it came into the lime light when there were rumors that it will be good site for building the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha in August 2007. Environmentalists and nature lovers came together and raised 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 (Belgaum Urban Development Authority) that a Heritage park needs to be setup in these 100 acres Vaccine depot without cutting or demolishing many buildings housed in it. Infact 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. But nothing has changed since then.
Historical value of Vaccine Depot:
The Belgaum Vaccine Depot also known as Vaccine Institute was started by Captain F.H.G. Hutchinson for manufacturing Small Pox vaccine in 1904 under the then Government of Bombay Province. The institute was shifted to its present premises in Tilakwadi following completion of building construction works in 1909. The institute was manufacturing 40 million doses of freeze dried small pox vaccine andsupplying all over the country and to neighboring countries as well. During 1954, the vaccine was changed from cow-calf to sheep-based. Following reorganization of States, the administration of institute came under the control of Government of Karnataka in 1956.
In 1968, the vaccine was changed from sheep to buffalo calf and the production capacity was increased to 47 million doses in 1974 — one third of total requirement of the country.
The manufacturing of the vaccine was cut down in 1977 in view of zero incidence of small pox in the country and completely stopped in 1978. Yet, during the same year, the activities of the institute switched over to manufacture of neural tissue anti-rabies vaccine (NTV). Initiatives on experimental works connected with preparation of Tetanus Toxoid and Diphtheria fraction were also taken up in 1985.
Belgaum Vaccine Depot is located in the heart of the city and spreads to about 100 acres. Vaccine Depot is a mini exotic forest and has about 3700 varieties of medicinal plants and has a potential to be preserved as a natural reserve. The site has lush greenery and a seasonal natural drain flows during rainy season and has potential for being developed as a landscape element. The site is a treasure of exotic flora and fauna.
There are 64 existing buildings out of which some of the buildings are nearly 100 years old. The buildings are used as offices of the District Health Officer and storage facilities for various vaccines.
BUDA plans the proposed Heritage Park through Private Sector Participation (PSP) on an appropriate Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
The purpose for the development of the project is to preserve and portray Belgaum’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”.
The proposed Heritage Park would be an integrated campus to promote heritage, tourism development and create recreational space for the city as well as surrounding region.
The principle concept of the Heritage Park is one of sustainable development. The focus of the sustainable design process is to achieve an aesthetic response to the program, while minimizing the ecological footprint of the development and conserving the existing built form.
The proposed heritage park shall have integral elements to promote art and culture blended with amusement related activities. Heritage Park is envisaged to cater to the needs of all age groups. The overall development of the area is envisaged in following zones:
Amusement, Hospitality, Cultural & Landscape Zone , General Facilities .
The proposed facilities are Art Gallery, Museum, Heritage Centre, Club & Philatelic Centre.
Boating, hanging bridge, musical fountain, rose garden, water falls, Mini train, various other rides, a sports complex with indoor and outdoor and swimming pool etc would be developed as a part of landscaped Park.
The total Project Cost is estimated at around Rs. 26.2 Crore.
Belgaum needs such kind of a park and the govt. should take keen interest in developing this heritage park at the earliest. Infact it would be better if funds from the special grant of Rs.100 crore could be utilized here and the heritage park is completed at the earliest.
Photo Credits of Flora/Fauna: Various people who had made a presentation
I used to live in Belgaum 30 yrs ago.presently now I am leaving in Indore,my my childhood and high school in the same area in shukrawar peth tilakwadi,outside premises of vaccine depot there is a huge play ground were we played cricket and conducted cricket tournament.
For us vaccine depot premises was like a surprise thing that what is happening inside were huge building and thousands of trees.
It’s a beautiful place,that’s what I can say…thanks.
I happened to go thru this article and fortunately I had spent my childhood days in the British Bunglow of the Vaccine Institute when my Dad Dr. T.R. ACHAR was the Director of the Institute.
The awesome time we had there is something I just cant describe and its one of the best time in our lifetime.
Its a very nostalgic moment for our whole family including my dad who strived very hard to make it work but unfortunately its a Govt Organisation and hence a lone person cant take any decisions.
I kindly request the Belgaum people to preserve this Institute as a Heritage and not spoil the beauty of it.
Hi.. I’m shocked and at the same time very sad by seeing this image of bungalow of above i mean it’s sooooo beautiful ? when we go here now it’s really terrific. Even I hope it will not lose its beauty and be used for something better really it’s soo beautiful.. u were so lucky to have been lived in such a beautiful bungalow… bye
Hi.
You seem to be lucky. I visited today to vaccine depot and the bungalow.
It’s really fantastic what a pleasant atmosphere so fresh. Hope you are talking about the 2 storey bungalow, it is centrally located with all thick trees. But today bungalow is all ruined and is at sorry state. It’s looks like bhoot bungalow.
If you stayed there then you must be courageous.
When we were there it was a beautiful bungalow. So sorry to hear that it has become a bhoot bungalow now
Anyone knows about the big bungalow at the heart of Vaccine depot.The old house (abandoned).
we used to live there. Beautiful house
My dad was the joint director and we lived in that house for 3 years. Beautiful is an understatement for the house and the surroundings. I hope it remains that way and does not make way for concrete and steel.
beleive it or not.. there does exist a waterfall in the vaccine depot forest..:) water plunges nearly 15-20 feet into a gorge from ground level…
We lived in th very bungalow where my dad was posted as a director of the vaccine institute. At that time we were transferred from bangalore.It was like living in the forest with all the natural beauty surrounding us.The flora and fauna was rich and mango trees abounded in plenty.Although we lived in the bungalow for a year, yet belgaum, vaccine depot and divine providence high school where I studied always live in my heart.Hope the vaccine depot is maintained as it was before.
Connratulation Uday!!
Gr8 work
Cheers,
Sachin
Uday bhai thanks for all the info u are providing ,We Belgaumites thank u as we are away from our loved city and u and and ur team are providing all the information of developments going on in Belgaum.We are feeling very proud of the development going on in belgaum.Belgaum for the last 23 years is going to be different from what we are going to see in comming years and we will be proud to tell our next genration the makeover of belgaum.
Very Nice Initiative ,,,,
Now Belguam is surrounded with A VIDHANSOUDHA, HIGHCOURT and Lalbhag/Kabbapaark (The upcoming heritage park) within 70km radius …
Now its almost eligible to call proudly as SECOND CAPITAL of KARNATAKA… with most similarities to Bengalooru 🙂
I daily go for morning walk
in rainy season it is not possible
it is request to authorities ,to build walking path
My backyard is going to be a heritage park…WOW!!!
Vaccine depot should be developed like Lalbagh in Bangalore.By doing so it will be a tourist hot spot.
it will destroy the natural habitat of more than 255 species of flora & fauna …
why don't u make ur house as a tourist spot ?
Its a nice location… well Rotary Club or Lions Club should take up the project… and try to maintain it… as govt officials always fail………..
this is My favorite loaction in tilkwadi were i would hang out in my school days & even now Just Love this Location 🙂