JOIN USNow, Kadri park lights up with solar energy
Next time, if you want to take a stroll at Kadri Park even after dusk, you can do so, without bothering of power cut. On Tuesday, it was equipped with 60 solar lamps that work on automatic on and off mode.
Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL), headquartered in the coastal city, has funded this initiative investing Rs 18 lakh under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity. The solar light poles have been installed outside the walking track to enable people irrespective of young and old alike, spend some quality time, as the park remains open till 8 pm.
Earlier, in the absence of lights, the visitors, including regular strollers and visitors, comprising children, were winding up before sun set. It was addressed by re-installing the high mast lamps (that will be later replaced by solar panels), earlier installed at Pumpwell Circle, that was removed to take up ongoing development works. However, as the high mast lamps work on electricity, the area was plunging into dark during disruption in power supply. Now, it has been addressed permanently with the installation of solar lamps.
On the occasion, the bank’s Managing Director P Jayaram Bhat said, “The solar light project was implemented following the announcement made during the Founder’s Day celebrations of the bank. Like in the past, the bank continues to be a part of social activities, already having invested Rs 3 crore under CSR in four months of current fiscal. In the previous financial year, Rs 6 crore was invested under this head by funding activities in and around Mangaluru, across the state and also the country.”
Bhat also mentioned about his association with the park, his association with walking friends (a group of regular walkers in the park) and Kadri Hills Lion’s Club that originated here. Earlier too, a radio was donated to the park under CSR activities, that is functioning still.
Besides, it has been decided to develop road dividers at a cost of Rs 10 lakh from Syndicate Bank Junction to Government Wenlock Hospital at Hampanakatta, besides investing Rs 16 lakh on another civic work. The bank has taken up several works under Swacch Bharat mission too, besides extending financial assistance to 20 toilet units at government schools deprived of the facility in the state, he added.
Bhat also promised to take a look into the proposal to develop other side of the park facing Udupi Road spread over five acres, as raised by Deputy Director of Horticulture H R Yogesha during his address.
DK second
Chief Whip in State Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza said, “There is a need to encourage such initiatives as Dakshina Kannada is second after Bengaluru city in tapping solar energy. Most of the rooftop solar power panels have been installed here.I have installed 10 kw roof top solar power panel.”
He also promised to extend financial assistance from his local area development fund. Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo recalled the genesis of the park, that started as a golf park and polo ground during the British era, and went into oblivion later due to utter neglect.
Chief General Manager of the bank Mahabaleshwara M S said, “Solar lights with LED bulbs installed at the park will also save Rs 9,000 on monthly electricity bill. It runs on auto sensr that turns on and off. Anya, the service provider firm, will maintain the panels for one year.”