Problem-ridden garden seeks attention

BANGALORE: Situated between Suddugunte Palya and Bismillah Nagar, The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) park is a prima facie case of gross lack of maintenance. The park was opened five years ago amid much fanfare.  An area committee was also constituted to take initiatives for the development of the park. However with the passage of time, the park lost its novelty attached to it. “ The scenario of the park was entirely different few years ago, as it was an epitome of greenery. There is no maintenance at all. This is mostly because of the shortage of man-power. Sufficient workers are not deputed by the corporator to clean the park,” said Philip, a resident of SG Palya.Voicing similar opinions, Sabitha Reddy said, “Today it has become a place for stray dogs to reside. Over grown bushes fills the park now, some fences are  also broken. With such a huge area BBMP could have done wonders with this park like many others in different parts of the city. We have some real good examples of well maintained parks in Bangalore. The corporator should implement some of the facilities in this park too.”To top it all, the park consists of a lake that is almost dried up.  At first look, it is impossible to say if it is a lake due to the presence of over grown weed in it.” There are two borewells in this park but none of them can be put to use. I guess there is no water in it at all, “ Reddy further added. The security guard near the entrance at 7th cross said, “Instead of BBMP civic workers some private workers are engaged in cleaning the park.” Moreover residents informed us that the gate near 4th cross which was supposed to be open for public has not been opened yet.When City Express contacted  the Chairperson of Horticulture BBMP Anjanappa, he said, “I will be sending my team for inspection soon. And after that I will take the necessary actions.” Another official from Horticulture department said, “We agree there has been a shortage of workers and we need to issue some workers soon. We have given the responsibility of keeping the park premises clean to a contractor. We had issued 10-15 workers to maintain the garden. However, as far as lake maintenance is concerned we are not responsible for it.” He further added, “The corporator of this ward has some different plans for the park and this year people might witness drastic improvement in the park.”