Metro runs into a human wall

Metro runs into a human wall

Development needed but not at the cost of lalbagh, say protestors

Vaishalli Chandra. Bangalore

Beating the evening rush hour, concerned citizens gathered in front of that part of Lalbagh that lay exposed to the depredations of the burgeoning Bangalore, after the park's protecting wall was demolished to pave the way for Namma Metro.
Slogans like Beku, beku Lalbagh beku, metro bekillaa (We want Lalbagh, not metro) rent the air and slowly the citizens forged a human chain outside the illegally demolished wall facing RV Road (West Lalbagh).
Smilingly, the participants held out placards, some with bold messages like "Namma ooru, Namma raste" (Our City, Our Road).
Residents, regular walkers, students, and passers-by joined the human chain. There concern was that this lovely park — a heritage landmark — was being taken away from them in the name of development. A formidable crowd had gathered, in a short one day notice.
Col Ravindranath, a resident of Bangalore for the past three years and regular walker at the park, said, "They told me about the protest in the evening." He said he was present because he strongly felt that development does not have to come at a price. "Metro should come," he said, but suggested, "There is a need for intelligent planning. Instead of felling the trees, the authorities should transplant them."
Smita, a Mumbaikar, who had adopted this city as her home for over two decades, said, "The greenery, the beautiful avenues define this city." It is the green cover that attracted many to the city. She said she was participating because she felt that mindless development shouldn't rob us from our heritage.
Standing next to her was Sarita, who said that she was concerned for all the trees that were being felled. "The city looks like a wedded woman without her ornament," she said, about the losing green cover of namma Bengaluru.
When suggested that the authorities had promised to plant two saplings for every felled tree, Col Jayanth Poovaiah said, "How can we believe them? Every time they fell trees they say that."
Shweta Gowda, who studied in Bangalore, asked, "What is the guarantee that they will fulfill the promise?" Col Ravindranath said, "They may plant a sapling, but won't it take another 20 years to grow. Why not transplant these beautiful trees to another place, instead of felling them?"
Metro was welcome. What wasn't was the sheer negligence of the authorities. Most individuals felt that the authorities were taking short-cuts and weren't thinking of keeping the best of both worlds.
"Some places still have trees that form a nice canopy, cutting these trees is a worrying sign," said first-time protestor, Jyotsna Pattabhiraman. She said that she felt strongly about trees and was against the destruction of a common heritage. "Development in unthinking ways should not be tolerated."
Prasad Bidappa and his models were present. So was theatre personality Keerthana. Dropping by the protest site was Captain GR Gopinath, a candidate from South Bangalore. His speech drew applauds as he said, "It (Lalbagh) is our culture, part of our heritage. Nobody has the right to encroach Lalbagh."
However, he was clear to make a distinction that while Metro was needed it should be taken underground. He cited example of Delhi where the Buddha Garden wasn't touched and even the Hyde park in London where the Metro went underground.
"The government needs to use its sensibility," he added. He also compared the park to heritage sites like Belur-Halebid and Taj Mahal. Before moving on, he appealed to Bangaloreans to come together against such activities. "Please be here this Friday at 6pm." He left amidst a clapping and cheering crowd. There was the call for all the candidates, irrespective of political party, to make this a campaign issue for Bangalore.
Protestors were clear that this wasn't against development, but there was a need for proper and systematic and transparent working of the authorities. They demanded that the authorities kept the citizens in the know.
The concern is that once the land is acquired for Metro a parking lot and mall are inevitable. Now, the question is, will the authorities react favourably to the protesting citizens?