Mangalore’s Kadri Park in state of neglect

Mangalore’s Kadri Park in state of neglect

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, December 17: Kadri Park, which sprawls on an area of 15.88 acre and draws innumerable morning joggers, evening walkers, and children, is in a state of neglect. The structures in the play area are all rusted and dangerous to use. The four seesaw boards and two swings are not functional; and the toy train, which was the highlight of Kadri Park for several years, is now no longer functioning.

 

 

The MCC, which had been maintaining the toy train for all these years, handed over the responsibility to Bal Bhavan 8 months back. Bal Bhavan Society Sulochana G. K. said that the Bal Bhavan has requested the MCC to repair the train and give it to the Bal Bhavan in a functional condition and that the Bal Bhavan requires at least Rs. 4 lakh to run it.

File Photo

Tall weeds and bushes have grown on either side of the trails meant for morning walkers, as a result of which walkers are now terrified of being bitten by snakes. To make matters worse, interlock tiles have been incompletely laid, making walking difficult for regular visitors. The signboards meant to guide visitors and benches meant for them to take rest are now covered by tall weeds. An ancient water storage area is in a terrible state and people now dump waste and even carcasses of animals in it.

o far, the authorities are not interested in speeding up the development work at the park. The Horticulture Department, which is supposed to be maintaining the park, seems least interested in completing the construction of the compound wall. According to the department, lack of grass-cutting machines has led to the growth of grass and weeds. After the recent visit of CM B. S. Yeddyurappa, the district administration proposed to develop the Kadri Park at the cost of Rs. 15 crore; however, the project is still in the form of a proposal. The horticultural department is still in the process of coordinating with the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) and the Public Works Department (PWD) with regard to this project.