BDA allots school space to CNG station

BDA allots school space to CNG station
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: “The new CNG filling station will occupy a huge amount of space in our small school field,” complained Varun Balige, a class eight student of Innisfree House School in J P Nagar, when he heard the BDA decision to allot a portion of the property to a franchisee of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

According to school trustee Kamat, the land where the school is situated was allotted by BDA to Innisfree as a civic amenity property (CA-36) about 15 years ago, in accordance with the Comprehensive Development Plan.

He added that “only two-thirds of this property was allotted to us despite the earlier agreement to apportion the entire land to Innisfree. Now, BDA has decided to open a HPCL franchise on the remaining portion.”

Several concerned parents protested peacefully outside the school gates claiming that the CNG station can be dangerous to their children.

According to Jyothi Nandagopal, “The BDA must act responsibly and prevent the construction of the station, as there is a possibility of pollution as well as other risks.”

Another parent Anugrahtete said there was no need for another station, as there are plenty of fuel and gas stations in the vicinity. The felling of several trees to accommodate this station is another cause for concern for the residents as well parents.

J P Nagar Youth Association president M Sridhar feels that “BDA has no business to construct a CNG station”. Sridhar also added that the land could be used as a playground for the general public after school hours.

While the school has already filed its objections to the BDA, several parents are expected to stage a protest march this Sunday hoping for a reversal of the BDA decision.

With the diminishing number of playgrounds, parks and other amenities, its worth asking whether commercial benefits override the health of our future generations?