A park-cum-walking track has come up on a 10-acre plot belonging to the Government Arts and Science Degree College here, adding to the recreational facilities in the newly-formed district headquarters town.
The park launched at the initiative of Collector N. Satyanarayana in August under the Haritha Haram programme is named Rasi Vanam, based on the concept that individuals can plant saplings according to their rasi (as per their zodiac sign).
It was designed under the direction of Gopinath, horticulture adviser to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The saplings were suggested as per the horoscope signs and Hindu almanac. For example, Taureans need to plant edakula ponna while a person born under Leo nakshatram should plant kalagoti. Thus, different plants were suggested as per sun signs.
Those interested in planting saplings according of their rasi should donate ₹5,000 for its upkeep to the nine-member committee headed by the Collector.
So far, 70 people have planted saplings, according to Akula Sudhakar, assistant professor of Economics, and the committee convener.
Fruit garden
In all, 2,000 saplings, including 300 fruit-bearing trees and ornamental plants were planted. The fruit garden was raised on four acres behind the college. Besides, a rose garden has also come up.
Former Minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, former Whip Gampa Govardhan, Collector, Joint Collector, SP, State Election Commissioner P. Nagi Reddy and Priyanka Varghese, OSD to CM on Haritha Haram, were among those who planted saplings in the park.
The park is frequented by a large number of walkers. Evening walkers spend more time as the surroundings are well lit.
It is a feather in the cap of Kamareddy town, says Mr. Sudhakar.