Walkers in Cubbon Park are unhappy with the ‘lax’ attitude of horticulture officials in charge of one of the city’s larger breathing spaces. On Monday, a group of walkers, under the banner of the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association, met Upa Lokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi and other officials to raise issues related to the park.
“One of our foremost demands is the construction of a high fence around the park. Lalbagh has a compound wall to prevent encroachment and other anti-social elements from entering,” said S Umesh, president of the Association and a senior High Court advocate.
He added that the walkers who use Cubbon Park are ready to donate money to build such a fence and financial assistance from the government was not necessary.
Another demand that was discussed was closure of all gates between 10 pm on Saturday and 8 am on Sunday as well as between 4 pm on Sunday till 8 am on Monday. This is being proposed to let people enjoy park facilities better.
Umesh also said that many regular walkers were disappointed with the attitude of officials of the Horticulture Department.
“For the Lalbagh show, they loot Cubbon Park. Bamboo takes years to grow. How do they justify this? They just put up boards, but there is no implementation of rules. The Home Guards cannot act without instructions from their higher officers and so they choose to ignore problems as well,” he alleged.