Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Oct 21: Sighting a cop in the city's prime park should be no surprise anymore. The department of horticulture in the city has taken this initiative as a step against indecent behaviour and illegal activities in Kadri Park, here.

There have been several complaints to the department of horticulture over the years about inappropriate behaviour in the public space. However, the initiative now with the help of the Kadri police, will remedy the problem. Officials now take rounds in the park twice a day. Those who indulge in indecent activities invite a police case against them.

Some indecent activities of young boys and girls here caused embarrassment to other visitors. Incidents of harassment of tourists surfaced. Entering the park became increasingly difficult.

School children and people of all ages come to the park for some recreation or a walk. They make use of the facilities for the seniors and the children. However, indecent activities of a few has posed as a problem to hundreds who visit the park every day.

Babu, an assistant in the park, said the miscreants refused to listen to authorities.

"Though the park sprawls over acres, the city corporation is yet to install a CCTV camera for security. There is a scarcity of security personnel in the park. Only one person is on duty at night. Therefore, illegal activities take place here in the evenings," said a visitor.

Janaki, senior assistant in the department of horticulture, said, "CCTV cameras will be installed in the park soon. Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in inappropriate behaviour.

"People can complain to the telephone numbers provided on sign boards in the park," she said.