In this `park’ flowers are on graves

In this `park’ flowers are on graves
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The chain link fence around the open area in Kalyannagar suggests that it is the area’s park. A closer look reveals that over the years, instead of trees, several graves have cropped up there.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) had earmarked the space for a park that has now turned into a graveyard.

The layout was developed in 1985 and in the last 20 years no park has come up. According to BDA records, civic amenity site in Survey No 10 is shown as a park. The BDA handed over the site to the Bangalore City Corporation to develop it into one.

The BCC even provided the chain-link fencing, which is used for areas marked for parks. But it has been deserted and no development has taken place.

‘‘One fine day graves cropped up in the park area. They were not there before,’’ a resident says. However, members of Dr. Ambedkar Samiti argue that the graves were there before.

BCC provides slab fencing for areas earmarked for graveyards and chain-link fencing for areas meant to be parks.

Lokesh Reddy, the corporator of the area which falls under Ward No 88, said that he did not want to take any action since he wanted to prevent communal problems.

‘‘I too want a park. But I don’t want any communal tension,’’ he said. He justified his stand by saying that those belonging to the Ambedkar Samiti had been living in the area before the layout was formed. ‘‘I will hold talks with the parties concerned and resolve the matter,’’ he said.