Bengaluru: A barren 1.5 acre dumping ground which was a breeding ground for mosquitoes and unbearable stench emanating with mounds of garbage has been transformed into a beautiful Stone Park at Devarachikkanahalli of Bommanahalli ward in the city. It is claimed that the park is first of its kind in the country
Local people, who used to wear masks because of stench have been flocking the park to enjoy the artistic sculptures from the stones.
Bommanahalli corporator Ram Mohan Raju C.R. was instrumental in the setting up this unique park and was thrown open to public recently. It attracts a large number of people during the weekends.
I was sick and tired of people complaining about the sorry state of affairs at this piece of land and I decided to go for a permanent solution. When I checked the BDA master plan it was marked as a park.
Without losing time I chose to develop it into a Stone Park to make it an outstanding and different place from others, Raju said. “Rs 3.5 crore has been spent for the park. A stone statue of Buddha and India Map carved or sculpted from stones is main attraction from the park. Many people congratulate me after visiting the park. It gives a different feeling to visit the park,” he said.
In order to make it environmental friendly and to maintain greenery a number trees and saplings have been planted. The Stone Park is illuminated with colourful lights late in the evenings to make the park more attractive and aesthetic, Raju added.
Prakash K, a resident of the Bommanahalli area said that they never imagined that a garbage dump, which was a health hazard in the area, would turn into a beautiful stone park. It has become a major landmark as well as attraction.
“I spent my leisure time in the evening here along with friends and family members. It is such pleasure,” he said.
Monkeys, bears, wheels, traditional farming equipments carved out of the stones are some of the major attractions.
