BENGALURU: An initiative to convert seven major forest lands in Bengaluru city into ‘Tree Parks’ to protect the existing greenery, will be taken up following discussions with the Forest department, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Sunday, during the last walk of Bengaluru Nadige (Walk with Bengaluru), a public outreach programme, in Cubbon Park.
After listening to public grievances during a citizen interaction session, the Bengaluru Development Minister revealed plans to replicate the Cubbon Park–Lalbagh model in other parts of the city. “After discussions with the Forest department, we will develop urban parks and establish ‘Tree Parks’ across Bengaluru in seven spots on forest department lands. No trees will be cut here; this will also aid forest conservation. I have already announced Rs 10 crore for the development of Lalbagh,” he said.
“Cubbon Park and Lalbagh are the pride of Karnataka and the country. A grant of Rs 5 crore will be provided by BDA for the development of Cubbon Park,” announced DCM. “As many have requested funds for the park’s upgradation, the remaining funds will be released through the horticulture department. The government will not allow any kind of construction inside this park. We will only take measures necessary for its protection.”
“We will take all steps to preserve the lung space of the city. High-tech cameras will be installed to record who enters and exits the park, and at what time. I’ve instructed that this footage be accessible from the Police Commissioner’s office,” Shivakumar said, adding that the government will also consider organising select cultural programmes in the park.
At the culmination of the six scheduled walks, the minister said citizens from various localities submitted a total of 379 grievances – 50 at Lalbagh, 68 at JP Park, 99 at KR Puram, 42 at Koramangala, 85 at Kengeri, and 35 in Cubbon Park. He said he would continue the programme whenever possible.
On Namma Metro’s Red Line, he told reporters, “The Union government has not yet approved the Red Line Metro. BMRCL has prepared a revised DPR. The Metro must expand for public convenience, and we must also plan a double-decker route. The Union minister is visiting Bengaluru on October 30, and I will submit an appeal. The Centre is contributing about 12-13%, and we are bearing the rest,” he said.
