Floodwater submerges Bhavani Island in Vijayawada

VIJAYAWADA: Bhavani Island , one of the most popular tourist destination in Vijayawada, witnessed substantial damage as Krishna river flood waters gushed inside the premises in the last few days. With dead birds scattered around, including the exotic two-foot tall yellow-billed kite, the enclosures in the park now stand as a watery grave for the winged creatures.

The island wears a deserted look and would require days of cleaning and restoration work. Officials claim that the damage is similar to the situation in 2009 when water level across the edges of the island rose up to nine feet. This time water levels are a little over five feet across the edges.

Umamaheswara Rao, executive director of Bhavani Island Development Corporation (BIDC), said the musical fountain suffered the most damage. “Around Rs 45 to Rs 50 lakh would be required to restore the musical fountain. Apart from that, parks and landscapes, up to four kms inside the island, were damaged,” said Rao.

While overall damage assessment is yet to be done, official sources said around Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore would be required for restoration. Officials, including CEO and principal secretary of Andhra Pradesh tourism department, inspected the premises. “The restoration works would begin from tomorrow (Thursday). A lot of cleaning work has to be done and clearing water from the island is a priority,” Rao added. Adventure sports too suffered significant damage where rope sliders, see-saw and other equipment were damaged.

Robotic park and resort did not suffer any infrastructural damage, but the place is laden with waste washed ashore by river floods.