Snake park dons new look
Medicinal plants, neatly-laid tiles, games arena dot the place
Once a place for refuse, now a green rich area inviting one and all for a glimpse of it.
This is the story of Snake Park, on fourth main, fourth cross, in Vidyaranyapuram here which was dedicated on Sunday.
Now, it has got a renewed look at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh what with saplings of types planted in place of weeds and shrubs, besides interlock tiles for the benefit of walkers and joggers. The highlight here is medicinal plants again for the benefit of those suffering from diabetes, hypertension among other regularly found health disorders.
M V Ramprasad the local corporator claimed that the new look park was the result of three years hard work. Spread on an area of one acre, it’s now emerging as a fit place for strollers and joggers. Earlier owing to the pathetic state of the park and also the fear of snakes, locals had stayed away, They had found an alternative in the park opposite Law Courts complex.
For record, it’s a snake park for earlier being a haven for reptiles of types. Though there weren’t many eyewitnesses account, the highest number of anthills here then had made locals wary of the place. It’s generally believed that anthills are nothing but snakes abode.
Interestingly, the park though officially named Fountain Park for a big fountain in the middle of it, it’s more popular by its sobriquet Snake Park.
The defunct fountain has been infused a new lease a of life. A cascade with Lord Shiva in meditation with 10 headed snake all created with a touch of art pays tribute to the snake god (if gone by its sobriquet). Models of deer and peacock have also been created adding to the enhanced beauty of the place. For kids, gaming arenas have come up in blocks inside.
The inaugural session had an apt show of snakes by expert in the realm ‘Snake’ Shyam. He demonstrated snakes of types in his kitty to the awe inspired gathering of young and old alike. Children were among the daring and curious lot too, who remained glue to the ground till Shyam was done with his exhibition.
Medical education and district in-charge minister S A Ramdas, mayor Pustulated Chikkanna, MCC commissioner K S Raykar, chairman of Mysore District Cooperative Union H V Rajiv and others were present at the inaugural ceremony.
