Inform Steps Taken To Improve Parks In Bengaluru, Karnataka High Court Directs BBMP

As per the list submitted to the court which is available on the website of BBMP, there are 1010 parks within its jurisdiction. Under the column "present condition' of parks/gardens in many cases it is blank. In some cases, BBMP has itself recorded the remark 'average'.

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj said "We direct BBMP to make a statement regarding steps which will be taken to start immediate works in parks which are described as average in Annexure E. BBMP shall file an affidavit to that effect by April 21."

The bench also directed the corporation to inform about the manner in which a survey of all parks, playfields and open spaces governed by the Karnataka Parks playfield and open spaces (preservation and regulations ) Act 1985 and Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) 1975), can be done.

Orally the bench said "Instead of physical survey, a survey through drone or any other modern means, can be carried out? Tell us in what manner a survey can be carried out? So that parks which have disappeared can be restored and parks which are in existence but not maintained can also be taken care of."

The bench gave the direction while hearing a petition filed by the High Court Legal Services Authority. Advocate Venkatesh P Dalwai, appearing for the petitioner, had submitted that section 8 of the KARNATAKA PARKS, PLAY-FIELDS AND OPEN SPACES (PRESERVATION AND REGULATION) ACT, 1985, which deals with the prohibition of construction of buildings etc on parks and gardens, should be strictly followed by the respondents.

The plea states that "Though there is duty cast upon the respondents they appear to have not taken any effective steps for proper implementation of the Acts, thereby causing untold hardships and inconvenience to the general public." The plea prays for strict implementation of the provisions of the enactments and to ensure parks, gardens etc are properly maintained".

The matter will be next heard on April 22.