Move to hem the green hedge?

Move to hem the green hedge?
Saturday May 19 2007 10:41 IST

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A picturesque view of High Court which will remain only in books as the PWD proposes to construct an underground parking in the circled area.

BANGALORE: Increasing commercial activities in Cubbon Park will have a major impact on the environment and clog the biggest lung space in the City.

The proposal of the Public Works Department (PWD) in 2004 to construct an underground parking in Cubbon Park for the visitors to the High Court will cost this precious lung space very dearly as over 70 fully grown trees are fated to be axed. The government has been lying low with the project till now but it may proceed with it any time in the near future because the design of the underground parking has been already chalked out.

Environmentalists say that there is no need for the construction of an underground parking space, when the basement and first floor of the High Court are vacant.

Speaking to this website's newspaper, Eco-Watch chairman Suresh Heblikar said, ‘‘If it happens, the brain behind the construction of High Court building Col. Richard Sankey, the then chief engineer of Mysore State, will ‘turn in his grave’.

The project should be shelved for the sake of the city. A part of the demolished Central Jail premises, near Maharani College, can be utilised for parking spaces along with the construction of the Freedom Park,’’ he said.

Arun Prasad, research head of ‘Discover Bengaluru’, said that this monument was the first erected structure in the serene surroundings during 1863, and was completed in 1868.

‘‘The building was designed by chief engineer of Mysore State, Col Richard Sankey and the High Court came to this building in 1956. It was earlier known as Attra Kecheri (18 offices). Before the Vidhana Soudha came, the Secretariat was housed in this building,’’ he said.

‘‘The rich heritage at this point is facing a setback and we are witnessing rapid unplanned expansion in the City. The gem today seems to be losing its beauty,’’ he said.

‘‘The proposal for this was initiated in the year 2004. There was a public march opposing the proposal this year also, but the plan is still alive. The Rs 33 lakh venture will have a huge impact on the eco-system of the City,’’ said Vijay Kumar Misra, a member of Hasiru Usiru.

He also said that they had also spoken to the concerned officials but have not received any response.

Horticulture department officials were not available for comment.