Metro’s tunnel vision hits heritage

Metro’s tunnel vision hits heritage

Vijay TImes

BANGALORE : Namma Bengaluru is no longer known as a pensioners paradise, and it seems as if the same would be the case with the Citys garden city tag, or whatever remains of it.

Even as the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) announced its grandiose plan to build the countrys firstever traffic tunnel, which aims to connect the Minsk Square on Raj Bhavan Road to the Hebbal Flyover on Bellary Road, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) has stated that it would construct an underground station bang under the park. The plan envisages the construction beneath the square spread over 1.2 acres (5300 sq ft) and 200300 sq metres of HAL land. While the BMRC has assured that the parks glory would be restored through the cut and cover method, green activists are seeking a balance between infrastructure and preservation of parks and trees.

V Madhu, managing director, BMRC, said: "The actual work would commence in about 10 to 11 months from now. The memorial would have to be temporarily relocated. Though the park would be dug up, it will be brought back to its present form and place" Dr Yellappa Reddy, environmentalist of the Bangalore Environment Trust and member of the BMRC environment cell, says, "I just came to know of the plan today. We are ready to examine the issue and give the best advice possible. Whether it is the tunnel or a underground metro station, its depth and impact on the environment are issues that may have to be deliberated upon. If the BMRC is willing to place the subject before us, we are ready." These mega projects, however, are still in a concept stage with the BMRC and BDA having announced only its blueprint. Krishna Udapudi, Deputy Conservator of Forests and Tree Officer, BBMP, added: "As it is a historical park with heritage value, issues are sure to crop up. Initial damage will be there. As of now, no discussions have been held. Greenery issues, including tree transplantation issues, have to be discussed. The land on the park belongs to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike. If changes to the exact location of the station or tunnel if at all have to be made so as to preserve the memorial, it will be done." Rohan DSouza of Hasiru Usiru said: "The focus of our planners seems to be on infrastructure and real estate development. The development of the floor area ratio and construction of high-rises across the metro route would spell disaster for the Citys green cover. Any underground project is bound to damage ground water tables and cause its depletion. A thorough environment assessment report is needed." When contacted, officials from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited refused to comment on the issue.

A view of the Minsk Square,which is dedicated to t

MINSK SQUARE,THE NATION’S TRIBUTE TO OUR WAR HEROE

he Minsk Square in Bangalore is a historic park of heritage value dedicated to unknown soldiers from Bangalore who had laid down their lives in the first and second world wars. Named after Minsk, capital of the republic of Belarus in the former Soviet Union, the park plays host to many commemorative events of the Ministry of Defence.

Incidentally, the Belarus govt has accorded Bangalore with a sister-city status for exchange of best practices in the software and IT sectors. A Bangalore Square exists on the outskirts of Minsk, inside a park. It is the only place in Minsk where public meetings are allowed.

The war memorial was first originally dedicated to those from Bangalore who had died in the great war of 1914 - 1918.

The monument has a statue of a soldier in uniform, and there are two bronze panels, the one in front a dedication, and the other at the rear side of the monument giving the Honours List of those who have died.

Later, the monument was also dedicated to "all the Armed Forces personnel who had so gallantly laid down their lives in the two world wars, the Kashmir operations, the NEFA operations 1962, the IndiaPakistan wars 1965 and 1971 and the 1999 Kargil war." The monument has some shady flowering trees surrounding the borders of the square, and when their flowers bloom, it is really a pretty sight.

The Minsk has a fighter plane (Ajeet) mounted near the entrance. The park is located adjacent to the Telegraph Office on Raj Bhavan Road , close to the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium and Cubbon Park.

The Minsk Square War Memorial is now being maintained by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.