Southern States - Andhra Pradesh   

Kids protest against plan to privatise park

By Our Staff Reporter

NELLORE SEPT. 9. It was a day of tiny tots at the Collectorate, on Tuesday, when they laid a siege to the sprawling complex in thousands, protesting against the decision to privatise the children's park. It may be pointed that the privatisation decision has evoked wide spread protests in the town.

The boys and girls belonging to more than 15 educational institutions marched from the park up to the Collectorate, braving hot sun and surrounded the complex from inside, up to the DPRO's office. The children carried placards, denouncing the decision and protesting against the "haste" with which it was sought to be implemented. Curiously, the Collectorate suddenly looked deserted with top officials not to be seen. The protestors after raising slogans, served an ultimatum on the officials. They were addressed by the members of the park protection committee. A memorandum was later handed over to the Administrative Officer, Kumaraswamy.

Meanwhile, even while the administration was busy finalising the privatisation, the municipality, it is learnt, has to pay Rs. 24 lakhs to the original promoters for the work they have done towards beautification of the park under the Janmabhoomi concept. After the decision to privatise, a sum of Rs. 10 lakhs was said to have been paid to promoters, with no word about the final amount. In another development, a group of officials from the Tourism Department, including an Assistant Director, arrived in Nellore today, reportedly in connection with the formalities relating to the children's park.

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