Parks to be knowledge hubs

Parks to be knowledge hubs
BY SHRINIVASA M.
BENGALURU







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I Multi-storey buildings, theatres in parks I Senior citizens say they should have been consult- ed before the proposal was aired
A visit to a park may not be a simple affair in future if the Karntaka Knowledge Commission has its way. The KKC has come out with a proposal to allow people to watch their favourite movie and listen to their favourite singer inside city parks.

The KKC headed by noted scientist Prof. K Kasturirangan has in its latest report recommended to the state government that it convert parks into knowledge hubs through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

“In recent years, parks have emerged as hubs of various cultural, literary, sports and physical activities. The number of visitors belonging to different age groups and socio-economic classes has also increased phenomenally. The new initiative is needed to ensure convergence of knowledge with other activities and to disseminate information and promote reading and learning habits in a natural setting,” the report says.

The commission has recommended a Rs 5 crore budgetary allocation for the project and suggested the first phase be implemented in 25 public parks in the city with the involvement of the department of information technology and biotechnology and the department of public libraries.

Speaking to this newspaper, a senior KKC officer said, “We have recommend ed that multi-storey buildings be set up in parks to provide these services.” But the proposal has not gone down well with many who fear that it could destroy the peaceful environment of parks. Mr Gopal V. Patil of the RT Nagar Residents’ Association points out that everyone goes to parks to relax. “But this proposal may bring in huge crowds,” he feels.

Senior citizens say they should have been consulted before the proposal was even thought of. “Everyday lakhs of people visit parks. But this recommendation has been made without any consultation with residents’ associations and senior citizens who use the parks the most,” says Mr Rame Gowda, a regular at the Gayatri Devi park in Mariyappana Palya.

However, some are looking forward to having more to do in parks. Says Mr Hayavadana Rao, a member of a senior citizens’ group , “If libraries come up in parks, it will be a treat to read papers and watch documentaries in such nice surroundings.”