Mini Shilparamam to be opened on Ugadi near Uppal

From being a barren land taken over by unhygienic conditions, within a span of few months, it has now been transformed into a colourful arena. The long wait of residents in Uppal and surrounding areas for an arts, crafts and cultural platform will be over as efforts are being made to open the mini Shilparamam on Ugadi festival – the start of Telugu New Year on April 6.

With stalls, food courts, amphitheater and other facilities, the mini Shilparamam will offer a platform for artists to exhibit their talent in different arts, crafts, music, dance and others, besides one of the best recreational facilities for general public. Artisans from different places will also sell their products.

At present, there is only one Shilaparamam in the city at Madhapur and following representations from elected public representatives for such a facility in Uppal, the then Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao had assured to develop a mini Shilparamam near Metro station, Nagole. Accordingly, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) allocated 7.5 acres on the banks of River Musi on the Uppal-Nagole road.

The Arts, Crafts and Cultural Society and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) jointly took up the project in two phases. The works pertaining to entry gate, crafts village, 50 stalls, food court, overhead water tank, landscaping, amphitheater and other structures planned under first phase are in the final stage of completion.

Since the land is in buffer zone of River Musi, construction of permanent structures is prohibited. Construction of entry gate, stalls, food court etc are executed through nut and bolt technology with high quality steel.

“Efforts are being made to launch the mini Shilparamam on Ugadi festival, however government will take a final decision after considering the coming Lok Sabha elections,” said a senior official.

Though, it is mini Shilparamam, the ambience at the venue, will be on a par with the one at Madhapur and is designed with ethnic theme, recreating a village atmosphere.

The Shilparamam at Madhapur is spread over 45 acres and was launched in 1992. Every day about 3,000 visitors visit the place and during weekends and holidays, the visitor’s numbers increase to 6,000 and more.