Cubbon Park walkers protest against prospect of vehicles on ‘previously’ restricted days
The marchers included environmentalists, CPWA members, and Kannada actresses Prema and Sonika Gowda.
2 min read
The protestors carried placards bearing slogans such as “Save Trees” and “Save Cubbon Park” while chanting the refrain, “We don’t want vehicles, Cubbon Park is ours.” (Express photo) Members of the Cubbon Park Walkers Association (CPWA) conducted a silent protest vigil Wednesday followed by a brief march and raising of slogans against traffic in Cubbon Park.
According to the CPWA, an order is in the works in the Horticulture Department to allow vehicles into the park on ‘previously’ restricted days like Sundays and alternate Saturdays, while also allowing parking from the Bal Bhavan up to the Statue of the Maharaja.
The protestors carried placards bearing slogans such as “Save Trees” and “Save Cubbon Park” while chanting the refrain, “We don’t want vehicles, Cubbon Park is ours.” As the chants faded away at 8:00 am, the end of the march was punctuated by vehicles entering the park and driving past. The marchers included environmentalists, CPWA members, and Kannada actresses Prema and Sonika Gowda.
Environmentalist Alexander James, who was at the site, said, “Earlier, retired Justice Saldanha had used his own money to install gates at the entrances of Cubbon Park so that these vehicles would not enter. Senior citizens and young people will both suffer.”
James added, “Common sense would be to not allow them to come inside. Four-wheelers are one matter… but the two-wheelers have struck and killed several gentle stray dogs which we had taken care of and which guard the park at night.”
Another protester, Bhoomika, said, “Without vehicles, people can pass by easily here. Rash driving by two-wheelers is a problem. Are they allowing such traffic in Lalbagh?”
A protest along similar lines by the group was also held Monday.
According to CPWA President and senior advocate Dr Umesh Kumar, “We are protesting since we heard that this order could be passed shortly. We don’t want to allow any time for this to happen. We hope that CM Siddaramaiah does not allow any such order to be passed… People come from Channapatna, Kengeri, and other far-off localities to enjoy the park. It is also home to migratory birds… increased traffic will harm this.
You May Like
