BANGALORE: This park is privileged. Firstly, it is named after Kittur Rani Chennamma, who led the rebellion against the British. Secondly, it is situated at Kacharakanahalli Ward represented by none other than Padmanabh Reddy, the Leader of Opposition in Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Council.
If the withering plants and dry grass are anything to go by, the authorities have to be ashamed for not only wasting tax-payers’ money but also for their inability to provide water for the plants. There is no dearth of BBMP officials and politicians giving eloquent lectures on the importance of lung space and need for more parks to restore the glory of Bangalore as a Garden City. But there is none to take measures to preserve parks.
The park has a hapless gardener who invites the wrath of visitors for not watering the plants. “Sir, there is no water. Earlier, water was being supplied through a water tanker. I do not know why the supply stopped,” said the gardener.
The park was inaugurated by Padmanabh Reddy on May 5, 2005. It was an ideal location for the residents, especially senior citizens, of Kacharakanahalli and other areas to meet. However, the sight of withering plants make the visitors sick. “We visit the park to spend some quality time and to give our minds some rest; but the slow death of these plants make us feel depressed and we repent the trip to the park,” said M Krishna, a resident of Kacharakanahalli.
BBMP had dug two borewells to supply water to the park but those borewells failed to yield water, claimed residents. “I am responsible for the maintenance of the park. But, I do not have the authority to dig a new borewell. The BBMP has not sanctioned money to supply water to this park by hiring a water tanker. I know that plants are withering due to shortage for water but I am helpless,” said H Chandrasekhar, Superintendent, Horticulture Department (East), BBMP.
Chandrasekhar washed his hands off the responsibility to provide water by stating that the Executive Engineer (projects) was responsible.
However, D M John, Executive Engineer (Projects - East), BBMP, said: “My job is to develop pathways and construct a compound wall. My job does not involve arranging water supply to the park. It is the duty of Horticulture Department to maintain the park.”
Meanwhile, Corporator Padmanabh Reddy said that he was aware of the condition of the park. “The BBMP dug two borewells but both of them failed to yield water. I am planning to dig one more borewell. I will ensure water supply by hiring a water tanker. It is my duty and responsibility to see that the plants at Kittur Rani Chennamma are not withered due to shortage of water,” said Padmanabh Reddy.
The visitors and the plants wait with tonnes of patience for the BBMP authorities to pull up their socks.