Park or mini-forest?

The residents of HSR Layout are denied access to one of the parks in the layout as the land reserved for civic amenity has now been turned into a mini-forest.

The park, located near 21st Cross in Sector 7, lies neglected. BBMP has totally ignored the park and the residents' complainants have gone unheard with the authorities concerned. 
According to the residents, it is very difficult take a walk inside the park, which is covered with shrubs and thorny plants. It has become the breeding ground for mosquitoes. There is also a pungent smell all around, as some people from nearby areas defecate and urinate in the park. The residents have complained to BBMP officials many times but no action has been taken so far.
UK Krishna, a resident, said: “From day one the park has been like this. When it was opened, we used to go for a walk, but now the park is dead and is of no use. Our walk and recreational activities of children stopped now. The major problem in this park is snakes. As it has turned into a forest, we have to be very careful while walking near this park. There have been instances of snake bites.”
 A park like this has been left isolated and neglected and the children here complain abut not having many play areas in HSR Layout. The plants in the park have died and the few trees that are surviving have brown leaves which also are likely to fade away soon.
According to some residents, the allotted plot for the park was supposed to be made into a shopping complex. As nothing happened for some time, the BBMP converted this empty plot into a park. The park was opened for a month, but since then it has not been maintained. Residents fear that the park could be a hide out for the thieves. “It is very difficult to even see if anyone is in the park. All sorts of illegal activities take place here. Snakes are a common sight protruding out of the park. We are scared to walk on the road. Many senior citizens reside in the area and they need a place for walking,” said another resident Anil Kumar.
When Cityplus spoke to Prem Kumar, general secretary, RWA, Sector-7, he said: “I have been asking the corporation to clean up the mess and maintain the park. Till now, no one has replied to my queries.”
However, BC Anand, Horticulture Superintendent for BBMP blames water scarcity in the area for this problem. He said, “We have developed lot of parks in HSR Layout but have been unable to maintain a few because of the water problem. The water level in some parts of the layout has gone down. Even after digging bore well, we are unable to find ground water. We are looking for alternatives and we will surely take up this issue soon.”

--SAKSHI CHAND