New deadline set for Freedom Park

New deadline set for Freedom Park
BENGALURU







Article Rank











The project was conceived in 2004 while the state sanctioned the work in 2006
“Are you con structing a freedom park or a dam? Even after four years the proposed freedom park is yet to see the light of the day,” thundered transport and city in-charge minister R. Ashok on Thursday.

Inspecting the Freedom Park work on a 20 acre site where the old Central Jail stood, along with excise minister Katta Subramanya Naidu, he lashed at BBMP officials and the contractor for the delay, when the park should have been open to the public by now.

The project was conceived in 2004 while the government sanctioned the work in 2006.

“Is it your intention to favour contractors by delaying projects undertaken in BBMP jurisdiction? What is your progress achievement in the last four years,” Mr Ashok asked.

The minister directed the BBMP authorities to complete first phase of the park in 45 days and demanded a report on the delay which had led to the cost of the project shooting up from Rs 8 crore to Rs 15 crore.

Replying to a query, he said, nearly five acres of the land at the Freedom Park will be earmarked for protests and dharnas instead of 15 acres as sought by police commissioner Shankar Bidari.

A two-level basement parking will be provided to accommodate 700 cars. It will be constructed under Swiss-challenge method, he added.