Bengaluru: Every Bengalurean, who walks, jogs, runs marathons, is a nature lover, attends weekend events and goes to the Library, cherishes Cubbon Park, one of the last few remaining lung spaces in an urbanised Bengaluru. A park for us, but a home for many bird species.
From March 1, the roads inside Cubbon Park were opened 24/7 to vehicles, because of upgradation work on Nrupatanaga Road. Till then, all the roads in the park were closed between 5 pm and 8 am, to help the birds and trees within the park.The decision to allow traffic has had disastrous effect on the flora and fauna of the park.
"Many bats have died because of noise pollution. You can see heavy traffic inside the park even during nights, which is when the bats hunt for food. As they are blind, they use ultrasonic to see, fly and find prey. The vehicle noise decreases their sonar ability and destroys their environment, leading to their death," explained Kavitha, Secretary, Cubbon Park Walkers' Association. Bats can tolerate only up to 12 decibels of sound, while heavy traffic can increase noise levels to 50-55 decibels.
Near the State Central Library is where the association members spotted dead bats. There are 10,000 to 15,000 bats in Cubbon Park and their ecosystem is in grave danger, said an alarmed Kavitha.
"Noise and air pollution has killed birds and so has water scarcity. Due to lack of water during summer, many pigeons and parrots have perished. There are hardly any bird ponds/bird baths within the park. The horticulture department also does not fill the existing 2-3 baths with water," said Mr Umesh Kumar, President, Cubbon Park Walkers' Association.
"During my morning walks, I see dead pigeons near Bandstand. It is very upsetting and distressing to look at that. Temperatures are high and the birds need at least 50 baths," he said, adding that one can also see migratory birds near Bal Bhavan.
The association members had earlier filed a complaint with the Lokayukta against the police commissioner, BBMP commissioner, deputy commissioner traffic, deputy director and commissioner of horticulture department, for allowing traffic inside Cubbon Park 24x7.
To help the distressed winged friends, Cubbon Park Walkers Association members have taken the matter into their own hands. They are raising funds and collaborating with NGOs to install stone bird baths. Around 5-10 stone baths will be installed this Saturday, Umesh said. "We all use Cubbon Park. What is our contribution to it," he asked.
