Cariappa Park falls on bad times

Cariappa Park no joggers’ park now
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Field Marshal Cariappa Park in the heart of the city has lost its charm. Thanks to an indifferent Army sub-area, the lovely park is in ruins. It no longer attracts any birds, nor the humans.

Right next to the Parade Grounds, the park has developed scrub. A huge man-made waterfall, laid out in 1996, has dried up too. Weeds have grown in most parts of the park, spread over 22 acre.

Apart from failing to maintain the park, the Army has also not paid bills to the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for providing water to the waterfall. ‘‘A notice has been served asking the Army pay up Rs. 8.09 lakh towards the water bill,’’ a senior BWSSB official told this website's newspaper.

The BWSSB officer, however, stated that they have only asked the army to pay the dues and have not yet disconnected supply. But despite water being available over the years, the army has not been able to start the Rs. 25 lakh waterfall.

The number of children playing at the military-style play area inside the park, has also come down considerably. The park has sand pits, tarzan-swing, spider web, Burma bridge, zig-zag tunnels and balance bars, now mostly overgrown with weeds that sting. The jogger’s track lie deserted too.

When contacted, a senior Army officer at the Sub-Area here said they are trying to start the waterfall again. The park is open for public everyday between 6.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., he added.