Soothing musical atmosphere marks re-opening of CP central park

New Delhi, Dec 14 (UNI) Verdant surroundings of the famous Central Park in Connaught Place was abuzz with activity again today, after a gap of five years, as a soothing musical atmosphere marked the re-opening of the park to the public.

Marking the re-opening of the park by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, with the Delhi Metro Rail corporation handing it over to the NDMC, was a treat of classical music as Delhiites were 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, lend a "melodic feel" to the surroundings.

On this occasion, Ms Dikshit expressed the hope that the park would, in the coming months, become a hub of cultural activity.

She urged the traders in Connaught Place to contribute in maintaining the greenery and the surroundings of the park.

Also present on the occasion were NDMC Chairperson Sindhusree Khullar and senior officials of the DMRC.

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

With the opening of the park, the maintenance work of the park will be handled by the NDMC.

It is 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 square metres consisting of grass plants and new trees of different species of evergreen speciality and flowering at different times of the year.

Extensive landscaping has been carried out in the park and lush 'Selection One' grass, the best in India, has been planted over 27,000 square metres and hedge plants over 2,100 square metres, Nearly 700 trees and 2,750 shrubs have also been planted. The species of trees and plants have been carefully selected because most of them are evergreen and flower at different times of the year. This ensures that the park remains a visual delight around the year. Some of the species that have been planted are White Champa, Royal Palm, Gulmohar, Pink Tabebuia, Bottle Brush, Indian Laurel and Ashoka.

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 the construction of an 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.

The Central Park has nine gates and two gates will open directly to the Rajiv Chowk Metro station.

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