BANGALORE: Ushering in a multitude of international names, Namma Bengaluru has now emerged as the new development destination of the country.
Apart from experiencing dramatic social and cultural changes with the expansion of information technology and other industries, the city has also undergone a huge change with respect to the cultural and social structure.
Today, Bangalore has evolved from being a ‘pensioner’s paradise’ to the ‘Silicon Valley of India’.
Keeping in mind, the rich heritage and traditions of the city, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have introduced several initiatives in the past to retain the city’s urban landscape.
Right from painting folk art and intricate motifs on walls, installing sculptures to rejuvenating lakes and gardens, these ‘exercises’ have identified the urgent need to maintain the beauty of Bangalore.
In an attempt to give the city, a complete makeover yet again, BBMP in collaboration with Bharathi Cements will beautify six traffic islands by installing innovative cement sculptures.
As a part of this unique initiative, the installations titled The Power of 4 on Race Course Road and The Tree of Life on Mekhri circle will be inaugurated on April 27.
Speaking about this project, an official from BBMP said, “This is an initiative undertaken for the beautification of six circles in Bangalore.
The intention is to make each of these circles aesthetically attractive.
Since the maintenance as well as installation has been undertaken by the private sector, this initiative is an indirect benefit to the BBMP.” Designed and created by renowned artists like the late Luke Abraham of Swordfish Design, Nagaraj, Pushparaj, and Venkatesh, the thematic sculptures will also be installed at Freedom park (Evolution ) and Janta Dal Office circle (Continuum).
Located at strategic places, these installations signify historical uniqueness of the location.
“Bangalore has established itself at an eminent position globally.
Keeping this in mind, we wanted to come up with a initiative that would signify the heritage of the city.
With the advent of IT, the city has scaled new heights of development.
However, with respect to civic amenities, we have a long way to go.
Hence, the idea of installing sculptures at prominent locations came about.
The entire project cost about Rs 2 crores.
And it is a private-public partnership that will be maintained by us for five years,” said Anil Manjunath, marketing manager, Bharathi Cements.