![Murgod justified the park administrations move saying, \This is not a violation of the Parks Preservation Act, as it comes under the jurisdiction of the Horticulture Department. Toilets and drinking water facilities for public is exempt from this. Permanent construction ensures constant supply of filtered RO water.\](https://images.deccanchronicle.com/dc-Cover-bl4cq7sa8en4iih6hpq4q9g8c1-20170716060106.Medi.jpeg "Murgod justified the park administrations move saying, \This is not a violation of the Parks Preservation Act, as it comes under the jurisdiction of the Horticulture Department. Toilets and drinking water facilities for public is exempt from this. Permanent construction ensures constant supply of filtered RO water.\")
Bengaluru: Cubbon Park will have two permanent drinking water facilities in a month's time, one near the Central Library and other near the Chamarajendra Wadiyar Statue.
Deputy Director Mahantesh Murgod said,"We have deposited Rs 15 lakh per water facility, to the PWD for permanent construction. This will provide free Cauvery drinking water to marathon runners, walkers, tourists, drivers who park near Cubbon." However, the Cubbon Park Walkers Assosciation's President Umesh Kumar is not happy with the idea. "This is against the Karnataka Parks Preservation Act, 1975 and 1979. The Act passed by the Government does not permit construction within the 300 odd acre heritage lung space. The park is slowly being encroached by many such constructions that does not benefit the greenery," said Umesh, who is an advocate by profession.
He pointed out that an amendment of the Act was necessary to build structures. “Instead temporary drinking water facilities could be placed. Why do we need big cement ones?," he added.
When asked about the same, Murgod justified the park administration’s move saying, "This is not a violation of the Parks Preservation Act, as it comes under the jurisdiction of the Horticulture Department. Toilets and drinking water facilities for public is exempt from this. Permanent construction ensures constant supply of filtered RO water."
The Walker's Association pointed out that many such projects have not seen the light of the day. Two years ago, several acres of the Cubbon lawn space was dug up for Garden redevelopment. To this day, the piles of dug up soil remain there. "Thirty acres of the lawn was selected for garden redevelopment, which included planting lawn grass and shrubbery. There was a fight between two contractors for the tender and a case was later filed in the High Court. Because of this, we have been unable to continue the work," the Deputy Director admitted.
