BBMP Contact Point In Jayanagar Will Eat Into Children’s Play Area

IT’S ALL THEY HAVE
BBMP Contact Point In Jayanagar Will Eat Into Children’s Play Area
Dipannita Das | TNN

Bangalore: It was a small play area frequented by children of Jayanagar 4th Block. But now, this ground is being converted into a Contact Point by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Residents of this locality are against construction of the Contact Point. They say the children will be deprived of the only play area they have. The road near the park is already crowded with apartments and very noisy. The centre, with visitors, parking and other activities, will only make it worse.
Residents of Ushas Apartments, that houses 160 families, facing the park, have already written to and met BBMP commissioner Bharat Lal Meena. Roshni Nuggehalli, a resident, said: “Despite our request to the BBMP commissioner and area engineers, the construction work is going on. The children and the elderly will find it very difficult to cross the road and negotiate the increased inflow of vehicular traffic if the centre is built.’’
Another resident said they requested the commissioner to consider alternative locations. “For instance, there is a BBMP office on 18th Main nearby. There is also some empty land next to the Tilaknagar Police Station 200 metres away. Why don’t they construct it there?’’
Resident Jaidev S K said: “The commissioner has promised to address the issue and give an impartial decision. He heard from two sets of voices on Saturday, from slum children and the middle class residents,’’ he said.
When contacted, executive engineer B G Raghavendra Prasad said the contact point is for the welfare of people as one can address grievances and also pay property tax there. “It will only take up a small area and the rest can be used by children. The playing equipment will be installed again after the construction,” he said. “The centre is for their larger interest. Also, this place will be kept clean after it’s constructed. Visitors will also get parking space,” he added.
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WHY HERE? The Palike is constructing a contact point at this playground in Jayanagar. Residents of the area say there are alternative sites available in the neighbourhood