At Lalbagh, protests gain momentum

At Lalbagh, protests gain momentum

Vaishalli Chandra. Bangalore

"I'm left with no choice but hold a poster, and protest against this decision," said Sudheer Raut, who has been coming to Lalbagh for his morning walks for the last 15. He was among the many protesters who diligently assembled outside Lalbagh West at 6pm, on Friday. He said that it was sad that the concerned authorities had rejected the suggestion of Metro re-alignment.
Janhavi and Sreenath, who were standing together, said that they felt angry that such mindless construction was allowed in the first place. "We have been coming here since our childhood," said Sreenath, recollecting how he spent his summer vacations at the park.
Most of them said that if the Metro running through Lalbagh couldn't be avoided, at least it should be sent underground. Sixty-year-old Prabhakar, said, "They should not construct it here, the better thing was to take it out, towards Kankapura Road."
His logic was that in case an extension to the Metro was needed in future they would have no trouble. "Having it here, they will not only spoil the area, but in future this may not be extended."
Behind the protesters, wooden fences stood, where once the compound wall was. "Agreed, we are responding late, but hopefully, in future, the authorities will include public debates on issues that concern us," said Rajani, a resident of Basvangudi. She was upset that the authorities had violated democratic policies by not holding a public debate on the issue. She hopes that the administration realises that people will not keep quiet anymore, "They assume that nobody reacts, so they can do what they will," she said. The presence of the youth was heartening, while some came with friends, others brought along their entire family.
Chirag Modi who came with his brother and uncle, said, "I don't want the Metro at all." His stand was that the Metro was secondary and that lung space was more important: "I want the trees as they provide fresh air."
Among slogan shouts of "Down, down Metro", "Ulasi, ulasi Lalbagh ulasi" (Save, save, save Lalbagh) the protesters distributed pamphlets to passing motorists. Independent candidate Santosh Min, who is contesting from Bangalore South, was also present.
At dusk, the gathered held a candle light vigil, hoping that their efforts would save the park from unnecessary destruction.But this isn't the last show of green solidarity. Not yet.