Walkers, activists oppose private projects in Cubbon Park
The Hindu
A unicorn statue and a fitness training pathway are planned
Fintech unicorn RazorPay wants to install a statue of a “unicorn with wings/flying horse” in Cubbon Park, while the Consulate General of Switzerland wants to introduce “Barn Parcours”, a fitness training loop pathway. Walkers as well as environmental and heritage activists have opposed them.
The Department of Horticulture, and the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology jointly held a public consultation meeting on the unicorn with wings statue project on Saturday. A similar meeting will be held on Sunday morning over the Swiss consulate project, which is also called “Bengaluru Moves”. “There is widespread opposition to any private initiatives and interventions in Cubbon Park. We do not want any such corporate initiatives in the park area,” said S. Umesh, president, Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association.
While there is widespread opposition to the statue coming up, many are open to the Bengaluru Moves project, which will only add a fitness trail infrastructure to the park, sources said.
Leo Saldanha from the Environment Support Group, said the government cannot treat public spaces are their private property and put up anything they want by private firms there. “There has to be proper public consultations as per norms,” he said, adding he was opposed to any initiative by private firms in public spaces.
Concerns have been raised by heritage activists as well. “The Cubbon Park community has already been suffering from the Smart City Project and this is a wrong time to make any such interventions. Moreover, we need to ensure the spatial and visual heritage of Cubbon Park. The idea of the park should mainly be organic and not be made cumbersome,” said Priya Chetty Rajagopal, from Heritage Beku group and a walker in Cubbon Park.
Rajendra Kumar Kataria, Principal Secretary, Horticulture Department, said they had heard the views of the people and based on their inputs a suitable call would be soon taken.
Cricket fans in Vizag enjoyed a thrilling ODI as Kohli, Rohit, and Jaiswal delivered memorable performances for Team India.
Congress leaders, including Kharge and Gandhi, meet to address the Karnataka leadership struggle, planning further discussions.
Kerala's local body polls focus on regional issues and candidates, not a referendum on the LDF government, experts say.
A 74-year-old man and his sister lose ₹80.5 lakh in a digital arrest scam by cyber fraudsters posing as police.
Social Justice Minister honors Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his death anniversary, joined by top officials in floral tributes and reflections.
NPCIL is to blame for storage of radioactive waste on site of Kudankulam nuclear power plant: Appavu
Tamil Nadu Speaker Appavu criticizes NPCIL for unsafe nuclear waste storage at Kudankulam, urging better solutions for public safety.
Raghavasimhan Sankaranarayanan’s AI innovation, Hathaani, blends the soul of Carnatic music with cutting-edge technology.
Banu Mushtaq discusses the power of storytelling in dismantling societal norms at the Bengaluru Literature Festival.
Sunali Khatun returns home to West Bengal after being detained in Bangladesh, highlighting ongoing struggles for repatriation and justice.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Israel for the first time to strengthen ties amid recent tensions over the Gaza conflict.
A study reveals rising heat amplifies health risks for women in seven Indian states, impacting physical, mental, and economic well-being.
Ghaziabad topped India's pollution list in November, with Delhi ranking fourth, according to a new air quality report.
ED, GST officers conduct check at a cardamom merchant’s godown in Bodi with CISF guards on duty