JOIN USBengalureans are overwhelmingly against any move that would reduce the city’s lung space. This uncompromising stance came to the fore as Deccan Herald threw questions on preserving parks and other open spaces to a cross section of people.
Residents Welfare Associations clearly condemn the recent legislation, calling it an amendment that is against the people’s welfare.
Says Vikram, president of the Defence Colony Residents Association, “We are quite appalled by the move to further reduce the green space. We are already short of green space in Indiranagar, and people want to further cut down on that. We strongly oppose this legislation.”
Play areas have already shrunk, forcing children to play indoors. “It is very obvious that this is land-grabbing. They are doing it in the name of Urban development so that they do not have to face a lot of opposition. Our association will oppose it for as long as we can, and try to see to it that the decision is reversed,” adds Vikram.
Environmentalist Yellappa Reddy had this to say on the matter: “The government has decided to cripple the eco-system of the city. Already, there is no space for children to play and no lung space for Bengalureans. They want to suffocate us further, and kill the city. In the name of development, they want to monetise land for the rich. They don’t seem to take into consideration the well being of common people.”
Reddy notes that the city’s air quality is deteriorating by the day. “Instead of increasing the green cover, they are reducing the green space. In the name of development, they are taking regressive steps. This decision is definitely not in the favour of the public. No Urban planner will take such a decision, knowing what kind of consequences this decision will have over the eco-system. Public health is at stake.”
Sahana Sunil, a resident of Ideal Homes in RR Nagar feels that reduced green space will trigger ecological problems for the city. “As it is, the city’s weather is no more as pleasant it was some 10 years ago. Further cutting down the greenery will cause more problems linked to global warming and related health issues.”
An office-bearer of Nandi Manomaya Residential Association, Gouri Kitturkar says, “Children nowadays do not go out to play as almost all the allotted play areas are encroached. They stay indoors, hooked to gadgets. Even the area allotted for civic amenities are being cut. Is the government against the well being of its people, looking at ways to make money?”
Secretary of the Jayanagar LIC Colony Association, T K Parameswaran says the people in his locality are very upset by the move to reduce open spaces. “We had been planning to expand the area of the park in our layout, and had even submitted a petition for the same. But now, the government has taken a decision to reduce open spaces. It is very disturbing,” Parameswaran says.
His concern, shared by most Bengalureans: Green spaces in the city are already shrinking, triggering a huge spike in pollution levels.
“We are living in a concrete jungle with some green relief here and there. We do not want the government to deprive us of even that,” says Parameswaran, a voice that finds its echo in the residential layouts across the city.
YELLAPPA REDDY
Environmentalist
The government has decided to cripple the eco-system of the city. Already, there is no space for children to play and no lung space for Bengalureans. They want to suffocate us further, and kill the city. In the name of development, they want to monetise land for the rich.
SAHANA SUNIL
Resident, RR Nagar
Reduced green space will trigger ecological problems for the city. As it is, the city’s weather is no more as pleasant it was some 10 years ago. Further cutting down the greenery will cause more problems linked to global warming and related health issues.
T K PARAMESWARAN
LIC Colony, Jayanagar
Residents here are very upset by the move to reduce open spaces. We had been planning to expand the area of the park in our layout, and had even submitted a petition for the same. The government’s decision to reduce open spaces is very disturbing.
GOURI KITTURKAR
Nandi Manomaya RWA
Children nowadays do not go out to play, as almost all the allotted play areas are encroached. They stay indoors. Even the area allotted for civic amenities are being cut. Is the government against the well-being of its people?