M’lore: DC’s move on ‘Radio Gudda’ park irks elders in city

DHNS

Mangalore, 22 February 2011: The recent decision of the district administration to construct Ambedkar Bhavan and reserve land for MESCOM in Derebail Park (also known as Radio Gudda) has irked the public residing in the surrounding areas. The total area of the park which was five acres earlier has already reduced to 2.88 acres, as some portions of the land were reserved for various purposes including the construction of Mari Gudi and Devaraj Urs Samudaya Bhavan.

 

 

Now with the district administration issuing an order to the Mangalore Tahsildar to allot 1.60 acres of land for Ambedkar Bhavan and 0.40 acres of land to facilitate the needs of MESCOM in the park has vented anger among the local residents who arrive at the park to stroll around.

 

Speaking to a senior citizen E L Pais who has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner on behalf of the citizens said, on an average 100 people visit this park every day either for jogging or to enjoy the nature.

 

“Derebail Park is the only park that exists between the Ladyhill-Suratkal stretch. We, some of the likeminded people in this area clean the park from time to time and maintain it well. The Forest Department has planted 280 saplings in last June which I look after out of my own interest. When such is the situation, how can we favour the decision of the district administration to divide this park and allot it for some other purpose?” he asked.

 

Godfrey Pinto, the senior most citizen in the vicinity who visits this park regularly said, this park is the only place where he can meet his friends and can have chit chat in the evenings. “I have many memories attached to this park and to hear the district administration’s order is quite depressing,” said Pinto.

 

Pais who is doing his every bit to convince the district administration, is of the opinion that the Ambedkar Bhavan could be built at the barren land near the National Highway Engineers and Officers office.

 

The park space has been already reduced by constructing Devaraj Urs Samudaya Bhavan and what annoys us is not that they have built the structure, but that the building is unused, said Pais.

 

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav said the public are misinformed.

 

The district administration has decided to allot the land after confirming that only front portion of the park is used by the general public and the rest of the place is let waste. “The park ambience will be maintained the same without any harm. Necessary cautions will be taken not to butcher the tress and saplings,” he assured.