After 2-year delay, Gurgaon’s biodiversity park set for upgrade with library-cum-amphitheatre

Gurgaon: After being stalled for over two years, a library-cum-amphitheatre is set to come up within Tau Devi Lal Biodiversity Park in Sector 52.GMDA has revived its plan to develop the same, which will create a dedicated cultural and community space in the city.

Estimated to cost Rs 4 crore, the project seeks to expand the park’s appeal beyond its current use as a walking and recreation spot.The biodiversity park, popular among morning and evening walkers, is now being planned as a hub for reading, small gatherings and cultural activities.According to GMDA, the proposed facility will be built over 1,500 sqm and will have a seating capacity of around 100 people. The design includes reading rooms, a resource centre, a cafeteria, a multipurpose hall for small events and an open-air amphitheatre.The space is expected to host activities such as book launches, discussions and community-led events. The tender for the project is expected to be invited soon.A GMDA official said the intent is to introduce a space that encourages both leisure and intellectual engagement. “The idea is to create an environment where residents can read, interact and participate in cultural activities within a natural setting. At present, most public spaces are limited to recreation like walking.

This project aims to add a more interactive dimension,” the official said.The project, however, has faced repeated setbacks in the past. The idea was initially conceived in 2024 and GMDA floated tenders for the development four times. But the process failed to take off due to poor participation from bidders. Officials now hope that with renewed focus, the project will move forward.Residents have often pointed out the lack of cultural spaces in the city.

While Gurgaon has several fine-dining outlets and nightlife hubs, there are limited options for cultural activities. The need for such spaces has become more pronounced over the years, particularly after the closure of Epicentre in 2016, which once served as a prominent venue for cultural events, theatre performances and social gatherings.Chaitali Mandhotra, a resident of Ardee City, said, “The city has long been missing accessible cultural spaces. I remember being a regular at Epicentre — every Friday, there would be performances by national and even international artists, and most of it was free. We used to watch classical programmes — Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Hindustani music — and those experiences are hard to find in Gurgaon today. For anything like that, you now have to travel to Delhi.

The idea of a library-cum-amphitheatre is positive, but its success will depend on how it is used. Gurgaon lacks cultural engagement. If developed well and kept accessible, this project could help fill that gap.”