Cubbon Park Authority on hold

Bengaluru: The Horticulture Department has ‘convinced’ the state government that there is no need for a separate authority to maintain Cubbon Park as it could do it on its own.

A few months ago, the state cabinet had approved the Cubbon Park Management Authority to develop the city’s prime lung space and to convert it into a major tourist attraction. The government had even roped in the Tourist Department to develop the park. But the authority will not be reality at least for a while.

Sources said that the Horticulture Department has taken one year’s time from the government to improve the park and prove its capability in maintaining it. A senior department official told Deccan Chronicle that the government, impressed by the traffic-free Sundays at the park, has agreed to give the department some more time.

“There were fears that the Authority would have an upper hand over the Horticulture Department and that the Park could be privatised. Some higher-ups in the department too were against the Authority. Now that the government has put off the proposal to create the authority, it should be seen whether it will come into existence at all,” the official said.

The Horticulture Department, which has received Rs 5 crore grant to develop the park, has drawn up some big plans to turn it into a major tourist attraction.

Horticulture Department Deputy Director (Cubbon Park) Mahantesh Murugod said that the department will create lawns, shade lawns and plant exotic plants over the next 10 months. Mr Murugod maintained that he was unaware of the government’s plan to delay setting up of the Authority, but said that the Horticulture Department aims to attract more people to Cubbon Park.

“Some of the upcoming, key attractions include a pond (rain water storage unit) near Hudson Circle and development of 17 acres of land in the park. European style lawns, shade lawns and exotic flower gardens of Orchids will also come up near the Central Library, Edward Statue and near Press Club. We have already awarded tenders to take up these projects and within a year they will be ready fully,” he said.