Harshini Brahmavar
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jan 24: Bhujanga Park is the only park in the heart of Udupi city with a garden, radio tower, and a children’s corner for skating. As you enter the park, you are greeted by a statue of Mahatma Gandhi commemorating the historical moment when he delivered a speech on February 25, 1934.

The skating rink for children will be a new attraction but the walkers’ track and herbal garden have lost their charm due to lack of maintenance. The radio tower stands majestically on a rock in the midst of the park.

The park has had a radio tower since 40 years. For the convenience of the public, it had a loudspeaker attached to a radio, but 10 years ago, it stopped functioning. Till a few years ago, the news at 6 pm and other programmes broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) in the evening could be heard without fail by the people visiting the park.

At first glance, the park looks empty and the open ground theater has become a place for street dogs. The stadium is now being used for limited purposes.

According to sources, the tower had been renovated but CMC failed in its final implementation. There was a siren that indicated time. Around two years ago, Muniyal Ayurveda had taken the responsibility on contract basis but it was being used only for commercial purposes and publicity.

Yashpal Suvarna, CMC councilor of Ajjarkad ward, said, “As a councilor, I have outlined the irregularities in the park in the CMC meetings. There is a park development committee and the CMC president is the chairperson. I hope for the best performance in future.”

Fortunately, this year CMC members have unanimously approved the renovation of the radio tower considering the appeals from the public. The construction of a walking track and green room is under process and will be completed within 60 days.

This one-acre park is among the few green areas in the temple town. A swing and other equipment at the children's corner are either broken or corroded.

The CMC changed its decision and took up renovation of the first and second stage comprising about seven acres on the rear side. A tar road separates the front and back portions of the park.

A skating rink for the children will soon come up on the front portion of the park at a cost of Rs 25 lac.

Former CMC commissioner Gokuldas Nayak said, “The development work has been done compared to my term. It took Rs. 1.5 crore for its construction with the support of Kannada and Sanskrit Department. An amount of Rs 16 lac has been received under the government scheme.

He further opined, “It is better to hand over its responsibility to a private sector organization, on a contract basis.”

A visitor said, “We want to restart the radio service at the tower and to enhance our radio culture.”

The herbal garden is completely ruined except for a few garden plants. The development committee receives Rs 2 crore every year from the government for its development.

Most of people would like it to provide a fresh environment; a humble place for children’s games and relaxation for adults.

According to CMC president Yuvaraj, “There is no such plan to have herbal plants. But the contract process is on and we are waiting for a positive response from SBI (bank) to take charge and hope for some action soon.”

But waste management has become a big challenge for the CMC, Udupi, since visitors throw plastics and paper everywhere. The renovation work is moving slowly with lack of water supply being cited as the reason for delay. Many times, private institutions and schools participated in the cleanliness campaign but there has been no use. At any cost, the CMC has to control such indiscipline.

Demands from the public:

- Revamping of the park as soon as possible
- Restoration of radio tower with a fresh coat of paint
- Planting of grass and other decorative flower bearing plants
- Installation of new play equipment in the children’s corner
- Renovation of the fountain
- A watchman and a regular sweeper
- Notice boards

The park is not a source of income but it is a weekend spot for the locals. The herbal garden could be spruced up. All this is possible only through honest effort and efficient work.