Bengaluru: Cubbon Park has been associated with serenity, nature, birds, dogs, clean air, freedom to walk or jog without vehicles honking at you and one of the few remaining green spaces for children to run around.
However, post 10 pm, this 146-year-old park remains unguarded with two gates missing. The gates for these two entrances were removed four months ago and have remained open ever since.
"The fact that they haven't put new gates, allows easy access for these people to enter late at night and there is no security. This disrupts the sanctity of this place, affects the environment, especially small animals like rabbits and birds," said Umesh Kumar, President of Cubbon Park Walker's Association.
They point out it’s a violation of the Karnataka Parks and Preservation Act of 1985.
However, when Deccan Chronicle contacted Mahantesh Murgod, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Cubbon Park, he denied these allegations. "No such things happen inside the park, as there is security. Though two of the gates are not there, we have installed barricades to stop vehicles from coming after a certain time," Mahantesh said.
When asked about the reason for delay, he said, "The Public Works Department has been given the task of installing new Golden Jubilee gates, like those at the High Court. The delay occurred because the traffic police had a problem with construction, as traffic will have to be blocked for 20 days."
The design has been changed a little, not to obstruct vehicles. Work is expected to start in 3-4 days, he added.
"The Hudson Circle gate will cost Rs 45 lakh and the High Court Gate will cost Rs 40 lakh and it will take 3 months to be completed," said Prasanna Kumar, AEE, PWD.
However morning walkers and joggers complain of finding used liquor bottles on park premises. Until these gates are made, the Horticulture department must ensure tight vigil during nights.
Cobblestone path
In August 2015, the Horticulture Department decided to construct a Cobblestone path behind the High Court, towards Band Stand.
Previously they were paved with slabs made of cement and they became uneven over time. For walkers it became difficult during rains. Rs 20 lakh was invested to build a separate route, made of cobblestones, meant only for pedestrians and not vehicles.
"The 520 metre long cobblestone path was made for the benefit of walkers, to discourage them from cutting across the park by walking on the lawns," said Prasanna Kumar, AEE.
Signage providing directions have been put up on the cobblestone path to help people navigate their way and not get lost, he added.
The Hudson Circle and High Court gates too, will have big boards to identify the park. While such initiatives are do add to the beauty and value of the park, but unless security is beefed up all these efforts may come to a naught.
