<p>Cubbon Park, one of <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/bengaluru">Bengaluru’s</a> last remaining lung spaces, stands testament to the city’s reputation as a garden city. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the park is not just a green zone but also a sanctuary for countless species of flora and fauna. Its status as a heritage site makes its preservation imperative. </p><p>Yet, this cherished landmark now faces a threat, with a proposal for a five-acre art park, spearheaded by a private entity, and rumoured to include ticketed entry. The plan brings risks of altering the park’s landscape and undermining its ecological and historical significance. </p><p>The proposal has sparked strong opposition from the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association, which represents thousands of regular visitors to the park. The association has raised valid concerns over the potential destruction of trees, encroachment of green space, and displacement of wildlife.</p>.Climate action awaits fiscal push.<p>Adding to the controversy are allegations of undue influence and lack of transparency. S Umesh, president of the association, claims the horticulture department is under pressure from a senior bureaucrat to approve the project without the knowledge of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Horticulture Minister S S Mallikarjuna. </p><p>The project is reportedly shrouded in secrecy, with no efforts being made for public consultation or stakeholder engagement. The walkers became aware of the plan only when they noticed surveyors marking the area. As a historic and ecological asset, the park must not be reduced to a commercial venture. </p><p>The call for better management of the park should not be a pretext for its commercialisation. In a city grappling with rapid urbanisation and shrinking green spaces, the preservation of Cubbon Park should be a top priority. The focus should be on enhancing, conserving and maintaining its beauty, and not on exploiting it in the name of development. </p>.<p>Over the years, Cubbon Park has endured numerous encroachments, from the construction of roads and government offices to the establishment of recreational clubs. Each of these institutions has chipped away at the park’s pristine character, eroding its natural essence. Cubbon Park belongs to the people and it is time the authorities heeded their concerns. </p><p>The proposal to commercialise the space is ill-conceived and must be abandoned. We must ask ourselves whether the future of the city’s vital lung space should be dictated by a few or by those who prioritise public welfare, heritage and sustainability. </p><p>The answer is clear. Leave Cubbon Park alone. Let it remain undisturbed–a green oasis for all citizens, and a proud legacy we leave behind for generations to come.</p>
<p>Cubbon Park, one of <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/bengaluru">Bengaluru’s</a> last remaining lung spaces, stands testament to the city’s reputation as a garden city. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the park is not just a green zone but also a sanctuary for countless species of flora and fauna. Its status as a heritage site makes its preservation imperative. </p><p>Yet, this cherished landmark now faces a threat, with a proposal for a five-acre art park, spearheaded by a private entity, and rumoured to include ticketed entry. The plan brings risks of altering the park’s landscape and undermining its ecological and historical significance. </p><p>The proposal has sparked strong opposition from the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association, which represents thousands of regular visitors to the park. The association has raised valid concerns over the potential destruction of trees, encroachment of green space, and displacement of wildlife.</p>.Climate action awaits fiscal push.<p>Adding to the controversy are allegations of undue influence and lack of transparency. S Umesh, president of the association, claims the horticulture department is under pressure from a senior bureaucrat to approve the project without the knowledge of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Horticulture Minister S S Mallikarjuna. </p><p>The project is reportedly shrouded in secrecy, with no efforts being made for public consultation or stakeholder engagement. The walkers became aware of the plan only when they noticed surveyors marking the area. As a historic and ecological asset, the park must not be reduced to a commercial venture. </p><p>The call for better management of the park should not be a pretext for its commercialisation. In a city grappling with rapid urbanisation and shrinking green spaces, the preservation of Cubbon Park should be a top priority. The focus should be on enhancing, conserving and maintaining its beauty, and not on exploiting it in the name of development. </p>.<p>Over the years, Cubbon Park has endured numerous encroachments, from the construction of roads and government offices to the establishment of recreational clubs. Each of these institutions has chipped away at the park’s pristine character, eroding its natural essence. Cubbon Park belongs to the people and it is time the authorities heeded their concerns. </p><p>The proposal to commercialise the space is ill-conceived and must be abandoned. We must ask ourselves whether the future of the city’s vital lung space should be dictated by a few or by those who prioritise public welfare, heritage and sustainability. </p><p>The answer is clear. Leave Cubbon Park alone. Let it remain undisturbed–a green oasis for all citizens, and a proud legacy we leave behind for generations to come.</p>
