Walkers' association against 10K run in Cubbon Park

Members of the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association (CPWA) have opposed the TCS World 10K Bangalore 2014, which includes the park as one of its race routes.

They plan to file a contempt of court petition in connection with the event scheduled for May 18.
The race event begins as early as 6.20 am, violating the norms of the Karnataka Government Park (Preservation) Act, 1975, the members said.

“As per the law, the gates of public parks cannot be opened between 10 pm and 8 am. Besides, the vehicles are also barred from entering the park premises during the ban hours. Last year, we objected to the event, but agreed after placing certain conditions such as limited entry of vehicles and display of banners inside the park, and placing enough dustbins. However, the organisers didn’t abide by the conditions,” said CPWA president S Umesh.

All the seven gates at the Cubbon Park are closed except the wicket gates near these entries. C Somashekhar, a regular walker, said that while the event cannot be opposed, the Horticulture department should ensure that cleanliness is maintained and the event does not lead to commercialisation of the lung space.

The organisers of the marathon said that all the race routes are subject to clearance from the government authority concerned.

Deputy Director of Horticulture Mahantesh Murgod told Deccan Herald: “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written to Horticulture Minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa regarding the event and the permission for the same. The minister forwarded the letter to the Horticulture department officers and they have agreed. While the gates will be opened, vehicles will not be allowed inside the Cubbon Park premises.”