In a powerful display of civic engagement, hundreds of Bengalureans congregated today at Cubbon Park, a cherished green space in the heart of the city, to voice their opposition to the Karnataka government’s controversial decision to erect a 10-storey building as an extension to the High Court within the park’s premises.
The Karnataka government’s recent revival of a longstanding proposal to construct a High Court annex in Cubbon Park has sparked outrage among the public, with concerns ranging from potential encroachment on precious parkland to the anticipated surge in pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Cubbon Park, sprawling over 300 acres, stands as a vital sanctuary for residents seeking solace amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. Adorned with the historic Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, which houses the esteemed State Library, the park is adorned with picturesque fountains, stately statues, and an abundance of flowering trees, serving as the verdant “lungs of Bengaluru.”
The contentious proposal, which had been shelved for the past half-decade due to fervent opposition from activists and environmentalists, now finds itself thrust back into the spotlight, prompting renewed scrutiny from concerned citizens.
Urging the state government to reconsider its stance, protesters underscored the irreplaceable value of Cubbon Park as a communal asset and implored authorities to explore alternative avenues for accommodating the High Court’s needs without jeopardizing the integrity of this cherished urban oasis.