In the early 90s, MGP had taken up the project of saving People's Park. In fact it was one of our signature projects of MGP getting support from all sections of the society. Thanks to the PIL filed by PIL, the construction was stopped. As MGP started to get increasing support, leading politicians got into the act. There were many dharnas in the People's Park. When trees were cut in violation of the forest department objection, we objected. We also symbolically planted trees there.
In recent days we have come to know first from the published report (May 5th the Hindu) that the CM has laid the foundation stone to construct a library in the park. There are markings to start work there. The city commissioner (May 20) confirmed that the department of library is planning to construct a library. When questioned about how the city corporation could go against Karnataka Parks and Open Spaces Act, he tried to argue that the act allows to make use of 5% of the land. When told that such a provision is there in the act only for the use of the park to store its equipment and not for any other purpose the commissioner suggested that the department of library should be contacted rather than the city commissioner!
MGP has been contacted by a former Corporator Venugopal (May 20) seeking their help to save the park. He was referring to the earlier efforts of MGP and he extended all the help from his NGO. The reporter of Hindu was contacted to get more information, but the reporter was not aware that there was such a project!
To fight for the survival of the park,
- We will meet at People's Park (in front of Canara Bank) at 9.59 AM the morning of Sunday May 27th.
- We will sit in dharna for one hour.
- If we get the permission we will plant five tress in the park. I have sent an SMS this morning requesting the permission from MCC commissioner. I do not know who is the relevant authority.
- MGP will release a press note on May 24 requesting all the concerned citizens to take part in this protest.
- We will inform the Police department.
- We need all of you to inform your friend circle. If we participate in large numbers the authorities will definitely take notice of our concern. Please start spreading the word.
Since this is at a proposal stage any idea is most welcome to strengthen the save People's Park movement. We need to move fast. According to the commissioner, they have not given permission to the dept of library to construct the library. But going by other projects like Mysore University, Railways etc not asking for any prior permission from MCC, dept of library may also not ask for any permission. That is why need to move fast and in large numbers.
Mysore's lung space is disappearing at rapid rate. Unless we the residents take active interest, Mysore will be ruined the way Bangalore is.
Please sign this petition and help the cause. Please do forward it to your friends.
