Management authority mooted for Cubbon Park

But critics say it's nothing more than a drain on resources

Cubbon Park will soon get a management authority, in which stakeholders from various government departments will come together and work for the overall development of landmark parks in the City.

“The authority will be headed by Horticulture Minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa and will have members from various departments. The idea is to get the various stakeholders under one roof so that they together, manage the place effectively. The proposal would be implemented once we get approval from the State Cabinet,” M K Shankaralinge Gowda, principal secretary, Horticulture department, told Deccan Herald. 

As a first step in this direction, a meeting of the officials from the departments of horticulture, tourism, police, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), among others, was held recently. 

Arvind Jadhav, additional chief secretary, Tourism department, and Gowda attended the high-level meeting, which also discussed plans to have similar authorities for Kemmangundi and Nandi Hills. Officials from these two tourist destinations also attended the meeting. D L Maheshwar, director, Department of Horticulture, said that they had given their opinions and suggestions.

Burden on exchequer

Meanwhile, the proposal has not gone down well with the public and a few officers. “Setting up a management authority means deploying more staff. This will burden the State exchequer as the government will have to pay salaries to the officers, provide them necessary amenities, among others,” said a government officer.

S Umesh, president, Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association and senior High Court advocate, said that the project will not allowed to be implemented at any cost. “We will protest against the proposal and file a PIL in the High Court. The Cubbon Park already has enough staff to maintain it. Why have another set of officers?” he questioned.