Ulsoor lake view: Parking lot or rose garden?

Ulsoor lake view: Parking lot or rose garden?
Deccan Herald

Will a rose garden come up on the Ulsoor lake bund area or a ‘temporary’ parking lot?

A face-off between the citizens and the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) officials is likely to end on a healthy note as both parties are gearing up for an open debate on - ‘what is good for the lake and the people’.

On Friday, members of Ulsoor Lake Citizen’s Movement issued a notice to the BMP protesting against the proposed temporary parking inside the lake area. “It is an illegal scheme, which will pollute and destroy the lake environs. We suspect a nexus between the BMP and the businessmen from the nearby commercial areas,” stated the letter given to BMP Commissioner and administrator.

Later, the members met Bangalore North Constituency MP HT Sangliana, who inspected the lake area in the evening and interacted with the evening walkers and visitors to the lake. “This is a fit case for an open debate. Let us study the proposals, discuss the suggestions with an open mind. Let us hold a meeting of all stakeholders next week,” said Mr Sangliana.

Threatening to initiate legal action, the citizens reminded the BMP of two pending cases. “We know that a writ petition and related matter is already pending in the High Court against the State government, over the destruction of lakes,” said the letter signed by 136 residents. “The signature campaign will continue,” said Prithvi Pani, a member.

“Why can’t the BMP wait for eight months to start the shuttle service from Commercial street? What is the urgency to start the temporary service?” asserted Mr Patrick.

Defending their plan, BMP officials said, “The parking facility is a largescale project involving many tie-ups and resource mobilisation. The long wait might simply cut down the momentum,” said Joint Commissioner (Works) Mr Harsh Gupta.

Any alternatives?

The parking plan at Ulsoor lake was inevitable, argued BMP officials. “The BMP has no land in the entire region which can be used for surface parking. Though multi-level parking and basement parking plans are being mooted time and again, they are not feasible owing to want of land and funds. This was one of the plans appreciated by the Traffic Department, which is calling for parking in the fringes of commercial hubs and shuttle services,” added Mr Gupta.

OFFICIALSPEAK

We assured the people that we will not extend the temporary plan beyond eight months. In fact, we have not refused them a garden. It will come up once the outside parking is ready. We will have a separate gate and barricade the joggers’ track to avoid any interference. We are ready for further discussions with citizens.

Harsh Gupta, JC (Works), BMP

PEOPLESPEAK

We will not let them experiment at the cost of the lake. What has BMP done about the stacks of concrete pipes lying inside the lake area, muddy jogging track, long stretch of open drain and lack of streetlights?

Prithvi Pani, a resident

A rose garden was developed by the jail inmates before the lake was desilted. This is the only lung space for residents, especially senior citizens and patients, who are the regular visitors.

Krishna Swamy, a senior citizen

After the outrageous proposal to shift Ulsoor market and public urinals to the Ulsoor lake area, the BMP has again come up with this proposal to ruin the lake. Vehicle parking is a big no inside the park area. We want a full-fledged park, with gardens and proper jogging tracks and not pollution causing vehicles.

Rajani Prasanna, a resident