A 'much-improved' Central park in CP re-opens to public Thursday

New Delhi, Dec 12 (UNI) After a gap of five years, verdant surroundings of the famous Central Park in Connaught Place will be abuzz with activity again from December 14 when the Delhi Metro Rail corporation hands it over to the NDMC, paving the way for opening of the park to the public.

Marking the re-opening of the park by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday will be a treat of classical music as Delhiites will be enthralled by soothing music of Shehnai by Sanjeev Shankar and Ashwini Shankar, Sarangi by Nasir Khan and party and rock band by Shivna Hazra and party.

Emanating from the four spots of the park, the classical music display, combined with the rendition of folk music of Rajasthan, is expected to lend a "melodic feel" to the surroundings.

Another unique attraction of the opening will be an exhibition of rare photographs being put up showing past, present and future of Connaught Place facade.

With the opening of the park, the maintenance work of the park will be handed over to the NDMC, which will henceforth take care of it.

It will, however, be an altogether different Central park, from the one that was handed over to the DMRC in the year 2001 for construction of underground metro station. The DMRC has developed the park over the metro station with a green area of 27000 Sq M consisting of grass plants and new trees of different species of evergreen speciality and flowering at different times of the year.

Adding to the beauty of the park are four water bodies and 21 fountains and one water cascade. An additional feature of the park is contruction of amphitheatre having a seating capacity of about 500 persons. The open air theatre will be used for holding cultural programmes including dances, band performances and theatre activities.

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