CUBBON PARK: Taking advantage of the traffic-free Sundays at Cubbon Park, animal lovers hope to take their pets inside the park, but not everyone is convinced that is a good idea.
No vehicles are being allowed inside the park since May 24.
Some pet owners are already taking their dogs to the park on Sundays, but a walkers’ group is unhappy about the development.
Going by the Park and Playground Preservation Act that governs Cubbon Park and Lalbagh, no pets are allowed, and notices to that effect are displayed at their entrances.
The Horticulture Department is aware of the debate and is meeting soon to decide on whether dogs should be allowed inside.
Mahantesh Murgod, Deputy Director of Horticulture, told City Express, “It has become an issue now. Various heads of the Horticulture Department are meeting soon to discuss various questions.”
The department will consider a designated enclosure for pets. “We also have to think which gates can be opened for pets,” he said. The officials plan to call for public opinion before taking any decision.
“These parks are for public use. We will take them into confidence,” said Murgod.
Another question is whether the dogs should be leashed or allowed to roam free. “Though the pet owners are confident their dogs will not get aggressive with strangers, there is fear among walkers, which I think is genuine. We have walkers of all ages coming to Cubbon Park,” he said.
Umesh, advocate and President of the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association, said, “Lalbagh has completely banned pets. And according to the rules, the same policy should be followed in Cubbon Park, too.”
Umesh said dogs could be accommodated in the 17-acre park, but should be monitored. “If at all pets are allowed, the owners should be charged a fee, which can go towards the upkeep of the park. Owners should ensure the park is not dirtied by pet waste,” he said.
