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Feasibility Analysis: Heritage Walk & Adventure Trail, Warangal, Telangana
Feasibility Analysis: Heritage Walk & Adventure Trail, Warangal, Telangana
WARANGAL, TELANGANA
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS:
HERITAGE WALK & ADVENTURE TRAIL,
WARANGAL, TELANGANA
November 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES...................................................................................................................................................... 3
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................................................... 3
ACRONYMS........................................................................................................................................................... 4
1 Project Background................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................5
1.2 History.....................................................................................................................................................6
1.3 Need for the project................................................................................................................................6
1.4 Intent of the report..................................................................................................................................8
1.5 Report Structure......................................................................................................................................8
2 ABOUT WARANGAL.................................................................................................................................. 9
2.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................9
2.2 DEMOGRAPHY.........................................................................................................................................9
2.3 LOCATION & REGIONAL SETTING............................................................................................................9
2.3.1 LINKAGES & CONNECTIVITY....................................................................................................10
2.3.2 CLIMATE & GEOLOGY..............................................................................................................10
2.3.3 ECONOMY................................................................................................................................10
2.3.4 PHYSICAL SETTING...................................................................................................................11
2.3.5 CULTURAL SETTING.................................................................................................................11
2.4 TOURISM IN WARANGAL......................................................................................................................12
3 Technical Feasibility................................................................................................................................ 13
3.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................13
3.2 Land use.................................................................................................................................................13
3.3 Locational Advantages..........................................................................................................................14
3.3.1 Bhadrakali Temple & Lake.......................................................................................................15
3.3.2 Padmakshi Temple & Pond.....................................................................................................15
3.3.3 Kakatiya Musical Garden.........................................................................................................15
3.3.4 Vana Vigyan.............................................................................................................................15
3.4 Site Features..........................................................................................................................................15
3.4.1 Approach Road/ Connectivity.................................................................................................15
3.4.2 Rock Carvings..........................................................................................................................16
3.4.3 Fort Remains...........................................................................................................................16
3.4.4 Stair-case.................................................................................................................................17
3.4.5 Natural Features......................................................................................................................17
3.4.6 View Points..............................................................................................................................18
3.5 Suitability Analysis.................................................................................................................................20
3.5.1 Spatial element........................................................................................................................20
3.5.2 Environment condition............................................................................................................21
3.5.3 Social- Cultural aspect.............................................................................................................21
3.5.4 Infrastructure provisions.........................................................................................................21
4 Conceptual Plan...................................................................................................................................... 23
4.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................23
4.2 Site Investigation & STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION............................................................................23
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: Location of Adventure Trail Route within ABD Area, Hanamkonda Hill................................................5
Figure 1-2: Relics of Jain Tirthankara in Hanamkonda Hill.......................................................................................6
Figure 1-3: Adventure Trail in Hanamkonda Hill (Phase-I).......................................................................................7
Figure 3-1: View of Hanamkonda Hill.....................................................................................................................13
Figure 3-2: Land use showing Hanamkonda Hill and its surrounding area (2041)................................................14
Figure 3-3: Hanamkonda Hill and its surrounding tourist spots............................................................................14
Figure 3-4: Jain Tirthankara’s Sculptures in Hanamkonda Hill...............................................................................16
Figure 3-5: Fort wall stretch on Hanamkonda Hill.................................................................................................16
ACRONYMS
1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Government of India has launched an ambitious "Smart Cities Mission" to promote cities that
provide core infrastructure and a good quality of life to its citizens with a clean and sustainable
environment by application of ‘Smart Solutions’. In this regard Warangal, the second largest city of
Telangana state was chosen as one of the 100 cities to participate in the Smart City Challenge.
Subsequently, the city was selected in the Fast Track Stage towards implementation the Smart City
Proposals identified in the challenge stage.
The present assignment is a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) for Warangal Smart City
Project initiated by the Greater Warangal Smart City Corporation Limited (GWSCCL), referred
hereafter as the Client Agency for designing, developing, managing and implementing this project.
Warangal aspires to be the cultural capital of Telangana and will continue to be the centre of
heritage and cultural tourism, which Telangana people proudly identify. The vision for the city is “to
transform Warangal into an economic hub in Telangana with a focus on tourism and heritage and
to make it a livable, clean, green, inclusive, modern, safe and citizen friendly and well governed
city”.
Smart City Proposals are divided into Area Based Development (ABD) and Pan City proposals.
Warangal’s ABD proposals envisage retrofitting and redeveloping 1,583 acres of Core Area of
Warangal and transform it into a light-house for the city and to show case as a smart neighborhood
by improving lively hood of nearly 39,187 residents residing within this area. This is depicted in
Figure 1 -1.
Figure 1-1: Location of Adventure Trail Route within ABD Area, Hanamkonda Hill.
One of the proposals under Smart City Mission comprises Heritage Walk and Adventure Trail which
envisions better connectivity, safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing nature trails in Hanamkonda
Hill with appropriate utilities, improved and planned landscaping and softscaping elements.
1.2 HISTORY
Based on archaeological
evidences, it has been established
that Hanamkonda and its
surrounding was once thrived as
seats of Jain learning. According
to the Warangal Kaifiyat (local
records), Jains of Vengi region
migrated to Hanamkonda on
account of attacks against them.
The Kakatiya Prola-II had
patronised Jainism.
The rock carvings believed to be of 4 th and 5th century suggests that Jainism has its prominence in
Hanamkonda region. The presence of the Jain carvings and caves implies that the place was once a
‘Jaina aramam’ or a place of meditation and education. The relics have evidently lost its original
colour and form over the years. Also, ‘Thristhala Chakram’ can be seen above the head of some of
the statues.
The Adventure Trail project involves a direct connectivity between the Bhadrakali and Padmakshi
temples across the Bhadrakali main weir and the Hanamkonda hill. Two routes are planned, one
along the foothill and the other over the hilltop. The routes have been identified through multiple
site visits, videography survey and consultations with KUDA and GWMC officials. A 150m long
pedestrian suspension bridge is also planned across the Bhadrakali main weir as part of this project.
i) Along Hanamkonda foothill: Padmakshi Temple road - Kalbhairav temple – southern foot hill of
Aggaliahgutta - Hanuman temple on Bhadrakali Lake side main weir
ii) Along Hanamkonda hilltop: Padmakshi temple Road - Jain statue - ridge of Aggaliahgutta -
Hanuman temple on Bhadrakali Lake side
The Project envisions safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing adventure trail with picturesque
view of the surroundings. The project study elements are identified through consultations with local
residents, elected representatives and concerned officials of GWSCCL. The project has been phased
into two parts; Phase I is dealt in the present report; as given in Figure 1 -3.
The major features identified for developing heritage walk and adventure trails are the following:
Suspension bridge: 1.5m wide footpath with 1.2m height hand rail joining Bhadrakali temple side
bund and Aggaliagutta foot hill across the Bhadrakali lake main weir;
Natural rock cutting and PCC pathways;
Pavilion on the hill top;
Viewpoints with railings;
Public Utilities;
Hard and Soft Landscape;
Statues and Effigies;
Solar lighting.
Being located in the centre of the city, the development has locational as well as historical
significance; and can be accessed from all walks of life. It will encourage eco-tourism prospects in the
region.
This chapter introduces the Project providing brief background of the Project, discussing intent and
structure of the Report.
This chapter involves the comprehensive analysis of the city region with demography, linkages and
connectivity, climate, economy, physical setting, cultural setting and tourism aspects in Warangal.
This chapter brings in front the existing situation of the project area and its surroundings.
Introduction to site, along with issues, development opportunities and observations are highlighted.
The suitability analysis is the comprhensive outcome of the development components and major
establishments.
The chapter brings in front the different types of surveys carried out for detailed understanding of
site and the survey results. Various consultation with officials at different stage are also highlighted.
Finally, the envisages concept plan for Bhadrakali Lake cleaning and rejuviniation has been depicted.
The physical conponants that is carried out for development of the project area leading to revenue
and non-revenue generating activities are discussed in this chapter.
The report concludes with major challenges faced in the process of preparation of conceptual plan
and way forward.
2.2 DEMOGRAPHY
An official Census 2011 detail of Warangal, a district of Andhra Pradesh has been released by
Directorate of Census Operations in Andhra Pradesh. Enumeration of key persons was also done by
census officials in Warangal District of Andhra Pradesh.
As per KUDA Master Plan, population of Warangal in 2011 is 615,998; of which male and female are
308,509 and 307,489 respectively. Although Warangal city has population of 615,998; its urban /
metropolitan population1 is 753,438 of which 377,943 are males and 375,495 are females.
Table 2-1: Population Details of Warangal City
2.3.1.2 Railway
Warangal has two railway stations namely, Kazipet and Warangal on the important New Delhi-
Chennai main line of Indian Railways. They are administered under the jurisdiction of the
Secunderabad railway division of South Central Railway Zone. Kazipet Junction shelters both Electric
and Diesel Loco sheds with a capacity of holding 175 and 142 locomotives. Kazipet town,
Vanchanagiri, Pendial, Hasanparthy Road railway station are the other railway stations within the
city limits. The construction of third railway line between Balharshah and Kazipet was sanctioned at
an estimated cost of ₹24.032 billion (US$ 370 million). Bhadrakali Lake is located around 5 km away
from Warangal railway station.
2.3.1.3 Airway
Warangal has an airport built by the Nizams at Mamnoor in 1930. It was largest airport in undivided
India with 1,875 Acres of land, a 6.6-km runway, a pilot and staff quarters, a pilot training centre and
more than one terminal. Many cargo services and Vayudoot services were served. During the Indo-
China war, it served as a hangar for government aircraft due to Delhi airport being a target in
combat. It remained in service until 1981.
This airport is currently being used as NCC Training Centre by No. 4(A) air squadron for gliding
sorties, skeet shooting and aero-modelling. There is no scheduled commercial air service from this
airport at present.
2.3.2 CLIMATE & GEOLOGY
Warangal is located at 18.0°N 79.58°E. It has an average elevation of 302 metres (990 feet). It is
settled in the eastern part of Deccan Plateau made up of granite rocks and hill formations which left
the region barren making the cultivation depend on seasonal rainfalls. There are no river flows
nearby Warangal, which makes it to rely on Kakatiya Canal which originates from Sriram Sagar
Project to meet the drinking water requirements. Located in the semi-arid region of Telangana,
Warangal has a predominantly hot and dry climate. Summer starts in March, and peak in May with
average high temperatures in the 42°C (108°F) range. The monsoon arrives in June and lasts until
September with about 550 mm (22 in) of precipitation. A dry, mild winter starts in October and lasts
until early February, when there is little humidity and average temperatures in the 22–23 °C (72–
73°F) range. Many hill rocks and lakes are located around Warangal. Padmakshi hill and Govinda
Rajula Gutta are two famous hills with temples.
2.3.3 ECONOMY
Warangal city economy is predominantly agricultural in nature. This is a rice-growing region and
most farmers grow rice for both subsistence and commerce. Cotton is the major cash crop in the
region. Chilly cultivation is also wide spread in the area. The region intensely depends on secondary
rainfalls. The important agricultural activities taken up in the region and their products are,
Agriculture: Rice, Cotton, Red gram, Bengal gram, Spices, Chilies, Jowar, Maize, Gherkin.
Horticulture: Mango, Bananas, Oranges, Custard-apple, Watermelon, vegetables like Tomato, Ladies
finger, Brinjal etc.
Based on the available data the tourist projection for the district is done by using geometric,
arithmetic and incremental progressions and the average value is being considered for the future
tourist inflow of the district.
With enhancement of Jain relics, adventure trails, eco-tourism prospects in the region will increase,
giving avenue for additional form and type of tourism in the region.
While the northern and eastern part of the hillock is mostly residential land use and partially mixed-
use; the southern and western part consists of the Bhadrakali Lake and Temple, Padmakshi Hill and
Temple and is under recreational facilities.
The tourist places in and around Hanamkonda Hill has been elaborated below.
Bhadrakali Temple is known to be one of the oldest temples for Goddess Bhadrakali in India, located
on the banks of Bhadrakali Lake in Hanamkonda. The temple’s main deity is Bhadrakali’s idol, which
is unlike other images of the mother goddess, and is with pleasant looking eyes holding weapons in
her eight hands. As per the inscriptions on the temple wall, the temple is believed to be constructed
by the King Pulakesi ll of Chalukya dynasty around 625 AD.
The Bhadrakali Lake is constructed by the Kakatiyas for the irrigation and drinking water purpose
during 12th century. It is still one of the important drinking water sources for the urbanscape.
3.3.2 Padmakshi Temple & Pond
Padmakshi temple, believed to be built during 12 th century, is an ancient beautiful temple with
Goddess Padmakshi as the main deity. Wonderful pillar known as Anakonda Pillar, a stunning
quadrangular column made with granite black stone, is placed at the entrance of this temple. The
four faces of the pillar are marvelous and impressive. The sculptures and carvings at the pillar and
Mahavir sculptures on the rocks provide light to the belief that initially his was a Jain shrine.
3.3.3 Kakatiya Musical Garden
An enchanting Musical Garden is spread over 15 Acres. A visually pleasing landscaped green space,
musical fountain with eye catching colourful lights is the main attraction. A mammoth rock and an
artificial waterfall in the rock structure are placed as the background of Kakatiya Musical Garden.
The authorities have also made a man-made lake for facilitating leisure activities such as boating.
3.3.4 Vana Vigyan
Vana Vigyan Park is located in Hunter road, in proximity to Hanamkonda Hill. Spread over 50 Acres of
land, the Zoological Park houses a variety of flora and fauna which are looked after by the Forest
Department. The place is a habitat for animals like spotted deer, nilgai, sambhar, crocodiles, rabbits,
tortoises and sloth bear. Pleasant chirping of birds helps to add to the beauty of the delightful
surroundings. Feathered friends like peacock, pheasants, lovebirds, pigeons, ring doves and ducks
add pleasure and variety to the visitors.
The most approachable point of the Hanamkonda Hill is approx. 1km distance from Hanamkonda
Chowrasta Bus Station; and also can be reached via Brahmanawada residential area which is only
0.5 km from Alankar Bus Stop, but there is no regular access. The hillock can be approached from the
Bhadrakali Lake and Temple, but there is no defined route. There is lack of public transport
connecting the place and most of the visitors arrive in their own initiatives. Also due to absence of
dedicated parking zone, the vehicles are parked haphazardly.
3.4.2 Rock Carvings
The sculptures of Jain Tirthankara’s were found in an abandoned state on a hillock, indicating pre-
historic presence of practice of Jainism. The sculptures are engraved on the rocky surface of the
2
The term Siddhi denotes enlightenment.
Rock cut vertical steps are major feature in the Hanamkonda Hill. Though rock cut architecture is
found in abundance throughout India, this particular section has been not much accentuated in
Hanamkonda Hill. These are most adorned exquisite stone carvings. These ancient and medieval
works of art represent significant achievements of structural engineering and craftsmanship, as
given in Figure 3 -9. There is absence of any railing or support while climbing the stairs with huge
irregular rise, making difficulty while ascending or descending and creating unsafe condition at
times.
Hanamkonda Hillock is a natural granite rock block with sparse vegetative cover in and around the
hillock, as described below.
3.4.5.1 Hillock
Hanamkonda Hill is located at
Northern side of the
Bhadrakali Lake, which has
covered the lake from the side
of Bhadrakali temple and has
importance and significance in
the historical past of
Warangal.
The crystalline rocks like
granite and gneisses lack
primary porosity. They
develop secondary porosity
through fracturing and
weathering over ages and
thus become water bearing.
The granite block of
Hanamkonda hill is depicted Figure 3-10: Granite Block of Hanamkonda Hill & Surrounding.
in Error: Reference source not
found.
The elevation of the Hanamkonda Hill at the top is approx. 340m above the Bhadrakali Lake front.
This gives advantage of panoramic view point of the city in one side and the picturesque Bhadrakali
Lake precinct in the other side. Defined scenic viewpoints and vista will provide opportunity of the
trekkers/ hikers with nature trail, resting area, and magnificent backdrop. Provision of structures like
pergolas and pavilions along the trackway can help enhance visitors experience scenic views.
The city view from Hanamkonda Hill has been given in Figure 3 -12.
The view of Bhadrakali Lake/ Temple and its surrounding hillocks from Hanamkonda Hill has been
depicted in Figure 3 -13.
Figure 3-14: Contour Map, SOI Sheet and Satellite Imagery of Hanamkonda Hill
Development of heritage walk and adventure trails in Hanamkonda Hill envisions good path/route
and connectivity to Bhadrakali temple and Padmakshi temple, safe, functional, aesthetically pleasing,
recreating with appropriate utilities, improved and planned landscaping and softscape. It stands as a
unique entity as well as in harmony with the surrounding existing and proposed development which
includes:
This will lead to overall improvement of the environment and eco-system with dedicated green
space within the centre of the urbanscape. This will lead to betterment in the quality of life and
ambience of the Hanamkonda Hill precinct with regulated development, defined skyline and land
use. Delineation of boundary with greening enclaves will protect hillocks, waterbody, and natural
features in the neighbourhood.
Eco-tourism developments are essential because they contribute significantly to our well-being and
better quality of life. They provide the broader context within which indulges in living within
aesthetically pleasing and culturally meaningful landscapes enhances our sense of wellbeing.
The city will gain from the magnificent network of open spaces, improved lakefront, integrated
activities and connecting boulevards. The traditional focus on the city’s symbolic identity will be
matched with urban identity - with distinct heritage safeguarding. As a result, enhance the beauty
and livability of the city by protecting its historic design legacy, reinforcing the identity of its
neighborhoods, harmoniously integrating new construction with existing buildings and the natural
environment, and improving the vitality, appearance, and security of streets and public spaces.
For successful tourism development, the need for more intensive investment in modernization of
infrastructure is increasingly appearing as a necessary condition. Higher level of tourism
infrastructure development can contribute to increased efficiency of production and distribution of
tourism services, and, in some cases, such as remote destinations, increased supply of tourism
services. For the existence on the tourism market, which is becoming more dynamic and demanding
the question of improving competitiveness becomes crucial. In this regard, investment in the
development of tourism infrastructure is becoming an important component of tourism
competitiveness.
Project Cost: ₹24.31/- Crore (Phase-I: ₹11.32/- Crore; Phase-II: ₹12.99/- Crore)
Expected Construction Period: 10 Months
The development of tourism endeavors in Hanamkonda Hill will provide access to heritage sites such
as Jain carvings and Fort wall. Adventure trails with greenways will also get introduced in the region
along with other avenues of Eco-Tourism. The expected date of completion of the project is
envisaged to be by February, 2020.
Adventure trail have been identified by multiple site visits, videography survey, route surveys, site
reconnaissance surveys, and consultation with concerned officials. Adventure trail is identified for
two routes in Hanamkonda Hill:
i) From Jain statue (near Padmakshi temple) to top of Hanamkonda hill to Hanuman temple
(Lake side); and
ii) From Hanuman temple (Lake side) to southern side of the Hanamkonda foothill
(nearest to Kalabharav temple) to the Padmakshi Temple road.
Keeping in mind the need and rational of heritage walk and adventure trail in Hanamkonda Hill,
various stakeholders were involved and consulted. The initial outline was given by HRIDAY in
consultation with KUDA officials considering the cultural importance of the area; owing to
beautification of the place and precinct for adventure trails. The next stage of discussions held with
Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) officials, local Corporator, and neighbouring
inhabitants for improvement provisions and addressing critical issues within the study area.
The main features that are to be initiated are pathways, viewpoints, suspension bridge, camping
site, railing, signage, safety and security, aesthetics, statue, amenities, cafeteria and associated
activities; as given in Figure 4 -15.
The walkway stretching length approx. 5km including existing road will be revamped and
landscaped/ softscaped for the ease of travelers/ trailers/ trekkers.
4.3.8 Aesthetics
Use of a walkways/ greenways increase if the trail takes the user through interesting landscapes and
softscapes, to points of interest i.e. viewpoints, selfie points, camping site, cafeteria, Jain relics and
other heritage elements. Signage should be minimal, attractive, and in good repair. The trail should
be well maintained and free of litter. The waste containers to be located at convenient location for
both dry and wet waste separately, maintaining the sanctity of the place.
Also, presence of historical relics, gives opportunity to showcase sculptures depicting Jain
iconography and inscriptions; adding aesthetic value of the Hanamkonda Hill. Giant rock-cut statues
of Jain Tirthankara’s are carved in many places throughout India; both sitting and standing postures.
This can be implemented in Hanamkonda Hill, leading to value addition to cultural and religious
tourism.
4.3.9 Amenities
Providing essential and enhanced trail amenities in Hanamkonda Hill will lead to increase in footfalls.
For example, drinking water kiosks, washrooms, resting place, medical aid, cafeteria, lighting and
electrical works will create additional value to the tourist spot. The provision for solar lighting system
will provide clean energy with LED lamps, solar panels, battery charge controller through the use
of solar photovoltaic panel.
4.3.10 Cafeteria
There is absence of any prominent food joints in the locality in and around Hanamkonda Hill.
Restaurants play an essential role in development of business, social, intellectual and inventive life of
a society and reflect the local delicacies. This will enhance employment opportunity in the place and
also provide free Wi-Fi zone to attract more customers.
For sustainable development of the Hanamkonda Hill precinct introducing all the above mentioned
components will boost tourism in the city centre and make the area livelier and dynamic. This
necessitates creating, nurturing and maintaining a state-of-art recreational greenway trail network
that is sustainable, integrated, well utilised and regarded, that enhances the health, well-being and
quality of life of users and that promotes and attracts visitors throughout the year.
Financial feasibility is carried out for revenue and non-revenue generating activities in Phase-I
development of Hanamkonda Hill. The descriptions of major components are given in Table 5 -4.
Table 5-4: Cost estimates for various resources in Adventure Trail (Phase-I)
Amount in INR
S. No. Description
Local Rates
Natural rock cutting and PCC pathways
1
Pavilions (8 nos) on the hill top
2
Viewpoints with railings
3
Public Utilities
4
Cafeteria
5
Hard and Soft Landscape
6
Statue & Artifacts
7
Solar Lighting
8
Suspension bridge
9
Parking Provision
Two Wheelers Four Wheelers Bus
Number of vehicles per day on weekdays* 40 10 2
Number of vehicles per day on weekends** 70 18 4
5.4 RECOMMENDATION
Whilst the total expenditure will be INR 11.32/- Cr., there will be initial recovery of estimated
approx. INR 10/- Cr.
However, eventually with full functioning of the entire Hanmkonda Hill precinct, with additional
promoting factors like Geo-Biodiversity Cultural Park, Bhadrakali Lake and Temple, ropeway and
increase in number of cultural events, the space will gain importance and prominence; and
subsequently with multi-fold increase in tourist footfall, revenue generation will improve.
3
Surveys in public places with high footfalls have revealed rentals to be in range of INR 20-35 per sq.ft. for retail
establishments.