BTM Layout residents adopt Kuvempu Park

The Residents’ Welfare Association in BTM Layout was unhappy with the BBMP’s maintenance of the parks in their area, and they were tired of complaining.

In the end, they decided to adopt the biggest of the 13 parks in the area — Kuvempu park — and turn it into a model green space.

“The Kuvempu park here needs at least Rs 25,000 for its maintenance and a part of it is contributed by residents. We cannot take over all the 13 parks for maintenance as we cannot afford it,” said
A Vidyashankar, a senior member of the Madiwala Tank Lake Foundation and president of Joint Action Committee, BTM Layout.

Residents said the parks lack facilities like water, lights and security. This despite the fact that the state government releases funds once in two years for park maintenance. “Having security guards is important in a fast-growing area like BTM Layout,” Vidyashankar said.

As they take up the maintenance of the Kuvempu park, BTM Layout residents ask citizens in other localities to adopt parks, too.

“We have not appointed any full-fledged security guards in the parks, but we will appoint them if there is a need in any of the parks,” said Niranjan, horticulture superintendent (south zone).

He said vehicles to pick up garbage from the parks are despatched once in a fortnight. “Not much garbage accumulates in the parks. Most of the solid waste is foliage. We have asked residents not to carry plastic materials into the park,” he said.