From garbage dump to a children’s playground in 45 days

Residents of Domlur II stage area took it upon themselves to transform a bare 14,000 square feet of land into a park, after civic apathy had seen it being rendered into a debris and garbage dump. The land at the junction of 4th main and 3rd was supposed to be a mini forest area but neglect had attracted land sleuths and a gradual degradation. However, the Domlur Stage II residents association under the leadership of their president L Athikesaperumal took it upon itself to fight the misuse of the land and managed to transform it into a children's park in record time. "The authorities kept telling us that they would develop the plot but nothing ever happened. We have at least fought against the misuse five to six times. We wanted to take up development of the park ourselves, but we ended up fighting for that also" says Athikesaperumal. The empty plot of land attracted not only land sleuths but also building contractors who found it convenient to dump debris in an area which was meant for public utility. The association even had to go to the High Court to remove a couple of huts that had come up on the land. Finally, after several requests to BBMP and local corporators, the association was given the responsibility of developing and maintaining a children's park on the land on 14 January 2015. With a speed that would be put the civic authorities to shame, the association managed to transform the rubble filled waste land into a park complete with see-saws, slides and swings within 45 days. "We started as soon as we got the permission and by 1 March, children were playing in this park," says a proud president. Built from scratch The road to the park for the association was not smooth and they had to start from scratch. Preliminary work involved clearing the debris old fences and de-weeding of the entire area along with covering the drain with proper cement and 6-inch stone blocks. The next step involved levelling the ground which needed truckloads of mud and appropriate equipment. Proper fencing and gates followed. Walls between the storm drain and the park were repaired and painted with popular cartoon characters. Children's playing equipment was assembled and tree saplings planted around the park. No backing by BBMP Members for the association personally took interest in developing the park and made sure work gets done as soon as possible. Members have contributed to this project in money, kind and time. stood in the sun and made sure the wall painting were done properly and finished in time. "This whole park has been financed by our members and residents. Till now we have spent around 6 lakh, including a lakh for covering up the drain. We are really grateful for the support we received from our residents. We have opened the part to children but development will continue side by side" says the secretary of the association, G H Visweswara. Kids adopt trees The association has allowed children of members to adopt a tree each where they take care of the tree. Small boards have been put up next to each tree with the name of the child which will gives them a sense of entitlement and responsibility and will motivate them to take care of the tree. -TOI