Freedom Park makes way for Hyde Park

Part of old jail premises allotted for agitations

The Hindu

BANGALORE: Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that a part of the old Central Jail, which is being converted into a landscaped garden, will be allotted for protest demonstrations.

Mr. Singh was replying to Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao during Question Hour. The Chief Minister said he had discussed the matter with Bangalore Development Authority Commissioner M.N. Vidyashankar.

Of 22 acres of land available at the place, six acres will be allotted for protest demonstrations. This area can accommodate up to 50,000 people, he said.

Mr. Singh said demonstrations were permitted in Cubbon Park (near the Gopala Gowda circle).

To a suggestion of Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao that demonstrations should be permitted only at a place 20 km. away from the city, the Chief Minister said it will not suit the agitators because if they want to submit a memorandum, they have to travel a long distance.