The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : BBMP drops car parking facility plan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 22, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

BBMP drops car parking facility plan

Staff Reporter

Palike had identified 45 playgrounds for building the complexes

OPPOSITION PAYS: The Malleswaram playground was among the ones that had been identified by the BBMP for the car parking project, which has since been shelved. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: Following widespread opposition to its plan to construct underground parking facility at playgrounds in the city, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has dropped all such plans.

In a press release on Saturday, the palike said the multi-level parking complex project was to be taken up under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). "Many people have expressed their concern over the proposed project and have said that we might lose the playgrounds. In view of these opinions, we have decided to abandon the project," the release said.

Special Correspondent S. Rajendran reports:

The State Government reportedly directed the BBMP to suspend its move to construct car parking complexes in the commercial and residential areas of the city.

The BBMP had published an Expression of Interest Notification on April 11 for the construction of multi-level ramped type car parking facilities in several areas of the city. The multi-level car parking complexes, among others, were to come up at Richards Square facing Russel Market and on Siddaiah Road, while the basement car parking facilities were to come up on several noted playgrounds, including Malleswaram playground, Freedom Park, Gandhinagar, Chikkalalbagh near Majestic and Akkithimmanahalli play ground.

Sources in the Government told The Hindu that the BBMP had taken a "unilateral decision" in calling for an expression of interest for such a major work without caring to even seek the views of the people. It was said that the proposal was first initiated by the then Commissioner of BMP, M.R. Sreenivasa Murthy and this file which was pending in the office of the Chief Secretary was recently sent across to the BBMP for finalisation.

It was mentioned that Minister for Health R. Ashok, who is also the Bangalore Urban district in-charge, was requested to keep the programme "on hold" since it could lead to protests from the people. Thereafter, the Health Minister sought a clarification from the Commissioner and Joint Commissioner of the BBMP following which directions were issued to suspend the move.

Asked for his reaction, Mr. Ashok said prior to undertaking such a major development programme, it was the duty of the Government to hold a public debate and involve the people. The BBMP had identified 45 playgrounds where multi-level and basement car parking complexes were proposed for construction. If this programme was implemented, the city would be left with very few playgrounds. It is for the people of Bangalore to decide — whether they need playgrounds or car parking complexes.

He said although the BBMP had spoken of only basement level car parking complexes in the playgrounds, there was no clarity in the matter. "Further, children would be deprived of playgrounds for several years until such complexes were completed."

The people of Bangalore were also well aware of the long delay in the construction of the car parking complex on the J.C. Road.

Mr. Ashok said the argument put across by the BBMP was that the plan was to utilise the JNNURM funds for construction of the parking complexes. "But such a hasty decision cannot be taken what with Bangalore emerging as a concrete jungle," he said.

Mr. Ashok also expressed displeasure at the re-introduction of a car parking fee by BBMP.

"Let them impose such a fee in the commercial areas. It should not be done in the residential areas like Malleswaram and Jayanagar." It may be recalled here that the BJP had waged a struggle against car parking fee three years ago.

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