Many individuals from all around Bengaluru city gathered on Sunday to voice their opposition to any further encroachment on Cubbon Park, a cherished green oasis in the heart of the city. The rally, driven by a shared love for the environment, aimed to protest the government’s decision to construct a 10-floor building for the Karnataka High Court within the park premises. The sentiment echoed by the crowd was clear: “Cubbon is an Emotion… not merely a Park.” As citizens reminisced about childhood memories and spoke passionately against the proposal, slogans like ‘Park Beke Beku – Concrete Beda’ reverberated through the air.

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Source: Bangalore Mirror

Organized by the Bengaluru RWA (Residents Welfare Association), the protest sought to garner support for seeking a permanent injunction and a final public notification designating the entire area as a green zone. R Rajagopalan, Convener of BRWA, emphasized the importance of protecting Cubbon Park for future generations. The demand was clear: find an alternative location for the High Court Annexe High Rise Building, essential for its growth and effective functioning, but not at the expense of the beloved park.

Priya Chetty Rajagopal, a heritage activist, underscored Cubbon Park’s significance as not merely a location for the city but as its soul and sanctuary. Expressing concern over the lack of coordination among departments or a disconnect between ministers and the people, she emphasized the need for a holistic understanding of the issue. The attempt to construct a 10-storeyed building, just four years after a similar proposal, sparked not only déjà vu but also discontent among citizens.

Source: Times Now

The announcement of the construction plan triggered swift public response, with an online petition at www.change.org/NoHighRiseCubbon Park amassing over 8,500 signatures in just two days. Priya Chetty Rajagopal voiced the citizens’ collective sentiment, stressing that Cubbon Park’s growing popularity among its citizens should not be compromised. The appeal for government and judiciary intervention resonates with the shared belief that the park’s tranquility and greenery must be preserved.

Condemning the state government’s decision, S Umesh, president of the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association, urged an immediate cancellation of the high-rise construction plan. Emphasizing the significance of Cubbon Park as the sole green lung space in central Bengaluru, Umesh demanded the horticulture department assign an officer with genuine concern for the park’s well-being.

Source: The Indian Express

Social activist Peter Samson from Shanthala Nagar ward joined the chorus, urging the authorities to cancel the construction plan, citing the irreplaceable loss of the city’s green spaces. Vinod Jacob from Namma Bengaluru Foundation underscored the urgency of safeguarding Cubbon Park against further hardscaping and development. Recognizing the threat of climate change, he stressed the imperative to prioritize the protection and restoration of this iconic green haven.