BENGALURU: Cubbon Park, located at the heart of the city, has plunged into darkness due to officials’ negligence, as its security and maintenance contracts have lapsed.
The security contract with Pawan Security Agency was scrapped after two of its private security personnel were held for allegedly raping a woman from Tumakuru at the park, while the annual maintenance contract lapsed in October.
The deadline for fixing the security issue was December 20, but it was not met. Morning walkers and joggers who frequent the park are affected by the lack of maintenance. The number of women visiting the park has seen a nosedive earlier, as they felt insecure in the absence of security guards.
Suchitra K M, a regular visitor, said, “The walking strips are filled with dry leaves. People litter here and it is not cleared.”
“The Horticulture Department promised to appoint ex-servicemen to ensure safety of the visitors, but nothing has been done till date,” said S Umesh, president of the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association.
He also alleged that the Horticulture Department gives contracts to a select few companies.
Mahantesh Murgod, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, said, “We have already floated e-tenders for maintenance and 12 companies have placed their bids. Within a week, the new contract will be granted. For security too, we have floated tenders and we will open the bids by January 12.”