Kadri Park users oppose pavement removal for forest department office access

Kadri Park users oppose pavement removal for forest department office access

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sept 28, 2025: Regular users of Kadri Park, including daily walkers, have raised objections to the forest department removing a portion of the redeveloped Kadri Park Road pavement to provide access to its new office complex opposite the All India Radio station, within the circuit house premises.

A section of the pavement between a row of stalls and the circuit house compound wall has been dismantled to construct a ramp leading to the Deputy Conservator of Forests’ office and other department offices.

Jagannath Gambir, member of the Kadri Park Development Committee, pointed out that Mangalore Smart City Ltd. (MSCL) had redeveloped the stretch from Circuit House Junction to Padavu High School Junction on NH 66 at a cost of ₹16.5 crore. The project, completed in March 2023, included new pavements, decorative lighting, seating, granite pergolas, monument pillars, and stalls. “It is sad to see part of the redeveloped road being damaged for office access,” he said.

Social activist Yatish Baikampady also criticised the move, saying the forest department could have used the existing circuit house entrance instead of demolishing part of the park zone. “It is unfortunate that a naturally shaded footpath meant for pedestrians has been sacrificed for a new road, while even private developments are barred from disturbing park areas,” he remarked.

Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath expressed displeasure, alleging that the government had taken up the work without consulting citizens or elected representatives.

Defending the move, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Conservator of Forests Anthony S. Mariyappa said the new ₹3 crore building, constructed by Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited, will house the offices of the Deputy Conservator, Assistant Conservator, the IT Cell, and Marine Cell. He clarified that the circuit house road could not be used for public access due to VIP security concerns, necessitating a new entry directly from Kadri Park Road.