BENGALURU: The proposed seven-storied High Court Annex Building in Cubbon Park has invited widespread protests from environmentalists, activists, public and Cubbon Park Walkers Association.
Meanwhile, the BBMP is awaiting approval from the Heritage Committee based in Mysuru to raze the structure in Cubbon Park that housed the Election Commission office earlier to make way for the new High Court complex.
Speaking to DC, BBMP commissioner BH Anil Kumar said first of all the Heritage Committee in Mysuru has to give its green signal to bulldoze the existing structure and the Public Works Department (PWD) has to submit a building plan for the proposed multi-storyed structure.
S. Umesh, president of Cubbon Park Walkers' Association, also an advocate said a massive protest has been organised on November 3 where green warriors, veteran freedom fighter HS Doreswamy besides a few film stars are taking part to register their protest to build the new structure in Cubbon Park. He said to start off with, the BBMP town planning wing will look into the proposal on whether a seven-storied building can be allowed considering the width of the road and if the zoning regulations will allow the BBMP to sanction the building plan.
The Zoning Regulations and Comprehensive Development (CDP) map of Gandhinagar division clearly shows the identified location inside the Cubbon Park boundary.
“Autos have not been allowed inside the Cubbon Park to ensure that the area which is the major lung space of the city remains undisturbed. How can a multi-storied building be allowed inside the Cubbon Park that will mean permitting a large number of people and vehicles to frequent the place?” Mr Umesh wondered.
Petition to CM
Mr Umesh said he would petition Chief Minister and horticulture department to drop the idea of building a structure in Cubbon Park. If the government fails to heed, a public interest litigation (PIL) will be filed, he said.
“What is the horticulture department, which is the custodian of the Cubbon Park doing? They should be the first to oppose and not be a mute spectator.
How can horticulture department not have a legal section. Even if it does not have why can’t they not consult legal experts on to know the legal implications,” he wondered.
