Backrest benches to be phased out in parks

 
BBMP sources said chances of the backrest benches collapsing in the reverse direction are quite high leading to tragedies like the one at Jalahalli. The BBMP Horticulture Department has now issued instructions to minimise the number of  backrest benches. If the benches are found required for elderly people then the entire bench should be single-mould with its feet embedded deep inside the soil. Instruction is that the engineers should see that the benches are fixed firmly on the ground with no chance for any accidents, the BBMP sources said.

The Palike has a total of 914 parks in the City besides the major ones such as Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. Of these, 644 parks are developed while 272 parks are yet to be developed. The BBMP has instructed the engineers of the area concerned to identify the shaky benches and fix them firmly to prevent recurrence of the tragedy. The BBMP would prefer single-mould flat benches in future to avoid accidents.

Along with it, the electrical engineers have been instructed to check that live electrical wires are not let loose and cause accident as had occurred a few months back at Vijayanagar, where a toddler lost her life right in front of her parent.

“We have given instruction to give utmost priority to the safety of our visitors and employees, thus there should not be room for tragic incidents inside the park.