One of the oldest parks in the city, Sri Krishnarajendra Silver Jubilee Park was built in 1927 to commemorate the silver jubilee of the reign of the then Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar. Though the beautification process has been entrusted to BBMP, the park is yet to get its complete makeover. Besides lush greenery, the park also has a children’s section. But, the developmental activities with respect to maintenance, garbage clearance and creating a pathway for the walkers and joggers are yet to take place.
On a positive note, the park which was earlier a dumpyard and a hub of anti-social activities is now well-fenced on all sides. “Years ago, anti-social activities in this part were rampant. It was unsafe for women to walk in the park. The park was not well fenced then. Today, the park is in a much better condition after the beautification process under taken by BBMP,” said Shekhar T, a regular visitor of the park. The BBMP had spent over `70 lakh on the first phase of the work alone but the paved pathway for joggers and walkers is yet to be created here. The pavements on either side of the park are filled with garbage and litter. Though the park has decorative lights and fountains, they are not in the best of working conditions. To top it all, the stench of garbage makes it difficult for people to use the park. The boards hung on the fence read, ‘Urinating invites the toll of `100,’ to instil civic sense among the public. But, the boards seem to be of no use in an area like K R Market. Though toilet facility has been provided, the public has failed to make proper use of it. “We have to blame the public for not keeping the city clean rather than BBMP. This is not just disgusting but unhygienic,” said Roopa Srinivasan, a shopkeeper. Meanwhile safety of women is also an issue as the park is mostly visited by men.
While speaking about the issue, P Dhanaraj, the corporator of Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Ward said, “Even today, the park is a hub of illegal activities. Though many complaints have been lodged to the BBMP regarding the same, no action has been taken. Even the watchman was threatened recently.”
“In order to install decorative lights, a tender for Rs 10 lakh has been called. We are also planning to build a wall between the main park and the children’s park. The entire cost of the project is estimated at Rs 20 lakh,” added Dhanaraj.