Walkers allege illegal construction in Cubbon Park

The Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association has filed a complaint with the Upa Lokayukta against the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and Yavanika State Youth Centre for “putting up illegal constructions” on the park premises. The association, in the complaint filed here with Upa Lokayukta Subhash B. Adi on Friday, also alleged the “involvement” of officials of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and Horticulture Department. S. Umesh, president of the association, said the third floor of the building was being constructed next to the police headquarters on Nrupathunga Road. “According to the Karnataka Government Park (Preservation) Act, 1975, no further constructions should be permitted in Cubbon Park or Lalbagh, except construction taken up by the Horticulture Department,” he said. He added that the Upa Lokayukta had assured them of an inquiry. Reacting to the allegations, Mahantesh Murgod, Deputy Director of Horticulture, said the department served notices to both YMCA and Yavanika. “We have sent at least four notices and YMCA has replied to one. We have filed a complaint in the Ulsoor police station,” Mr. Murgod said. -The Hindu