Karnataka   

Park in a shambles

Almost all parks and open spaces in Madikeri, and indeed in most towns in Kodagu district, are in a state of neglect. These open spaces in the city here have now become grazing grounds for stray cattle. The Nehru Park, close to the statue of the valiant son of Kodagu, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, is in a shambles. Weeds have engulfed the slides, swings, ladders, and bars that children once played on. In fact, none ventures into the park that has become the haunt of stray d ogs. A statue of Goddess Cauvery at one end of the park stands in mute testimony to the monumental neglect by the Madikeri City Municipal Council (CMC) authorities. Broken glass pieces too have been dumped inside. CMC Commissioner D.H. Raya says that a proposal has been sent to the Government seeking Rs. 10 lakh to improve the park to throw it open for public.

The district administration has allotted space for construction of a memorial for Guddemane Appaiah Gowda, a freedom fighter hanged by the British in 1837, at another corner of the park. The work is yet to start.

Nehru Park is the first park in the city that greets one while entering Madikeri from Mysore road and Siddapur road. A well-developed park could be a treat for the eyes, and its neglect speaks of the apathy of the CMC. This is not the only park that has escaped the attention of the CMC. There is apparently no dearth for funds, and the lack of will and commitment appear to be the impediments.

Jeevan Chinnappa in Madikeri

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