If this is a facelift, we want none of it, says Koramangala residents
The nearby residents and youngsters who play regularly are of the view that the ground would only shrink further.
Bengaluru: Three BBMP grounds in a Koramangala ward are getting facelifts by the corporator of the area, who have started construction for sitting arenas around the ground, along with roofed spots and cement platform for community talks and small gatherings. However, the nearby residents and youngsters who play regularly are of the view that the ground would only shrink further.
The BBMP ground adjacent to Bethany school, popularly known as Bethany Grounds, is buzzing with activity. Workers are laying foundation for a sitting arena around the ground, which is merely an acre in area. There are other construction works happening even in mid ground for cement floored and roofed spots.
“Similar construction will be taken up at two other grounds, one near Baby Mona High School and the other near the Ganapathi Temple in Kormangala,” said M. Chandrappa, corporator of ward no. 151. “The government had sanctioned '2 crore six months ago for improving the three grounds and we will improve it so that all residents nearby can enjoy a brisk walk in the morning to games and other ground activities in the evening.”
However the youngsters who regularly play cricket and football on the ground have expressed displeasure as the ground is going to be gated hence forth and the ground would be encroached upon by cemented constructions, including the sitting arena and the gathering spots.
“We have been playing in this ground for years now. There are no fences, no time restrictions and we come here to play matches with friends. With this construction it looks like we cannot play here anymore,” said Sebastian, a nearby resident.