No to musical fountain & laser shows at Lalbagh

Last Update: Mon, May 31, 2010 @ 08:30 hrs Indian Std Time
http://www.petitiononline.com/lalbagh/
Citizens show thumbs down to govt's Lalbagh 'facelift' plan DH May 26
Choking the lungs Deccan Herald or DH Editorial dtd Thu, May 26
http://dpal.kar.nic.in/.%5C23%20of%201975%20(E).pdf
Photo: The Hindu May 19, 2010

More to see: The proposed rock garden and musical fountain at Lalbagh are expected to increase revenue. - The Hindu, Wed, May 19, 2010
Lalbagh additions: rock garden, musical fountain The Hindu, Wed, May 19, 2010
http://www.thehindu.com/2010/05/19/stories/2010051963190800.htm

Lalbagh to lose trees for a Sentosa look Deccan Herald Tue, May 25
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/71424/lalbagh-lose-trees-sentosa-look.html 
The Karnataka State Government has prepared a blueprint for developing a rock garden and a musical fountain in the sprawling green space of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.

The Horticulture Department, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly undertake both projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 65 crore approximately and work would commence soon.

A blueprint has been prepared to give a totally different look to Lalbagh on the lines of the botanical garden of Singapore by claiming to retain Lalbagh's native originality, without disturbing the flora and fauna.

For gardeners, spring is a race against time. But for the State government, summer is a time to plan sprucing up Lalbagh: adding a musical fountain and a rock garden to the floral display and the green foliage that the sprawling, picturesque acres in the heart of the City is known for.

It/This is a perfect case of the fence eating the crop. The Karnataka Horticulture Department, which shoulders the responsibility of protecting and preserving Lalbagh Gardens, is set to axe the precious green cover in the State's only botanical gardens.

In its zeal to emulate Singapore's famous Sentosa Island, the department will chop off nearly 10 full-grown trees to make way for a musical fountain and a laser show. However, the department has kept this fact under wraps, fearing protests. Even Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has not been informed about the need for cutting the trees for the project, it is said.

As per the blueprint of the project prepared by the department, a copy of which is available with Deccan Herald, the proposed musical fountain will come up on the foot of the Kempe Gowda monolithic in front of the Cacti House inside the garden.

An artificial pond, measuring 100/40 ft, will be constructed at this location to put up the fountain. This place is presently covered by nearly 20 trees, and at least 10 of them are planned to be cleared. The project is aimed at entertaining visitors through the fountain and the laser show, which will depict the history of Bangalore.

The department's plan has come close on the heels of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) cutting over a dozen trees for the metro rail project. The garden shrunk by 350 metres and lost 15 trees as a result.

The Lalbagh Botanical gardens, developed partially in 1760 by Hyder Ali and completed by his son Tipu / Tippu Sultan, is spread across 240 acres. It is a veritable treasure house of plants. Nearly 673 genera and 1,854 species of plants are found in Lalbagh.

Besides, the gardens house several species of birds. A laser show is bound to disturb the nightlife of birds.  Now, there is space to park 350 four-wheelers. If more activities are held, then there is will be more visitors and vehicles to pollute the gardens.

The chief minister okayed the project during his recent visit to Lalbagh. According to official sources, soon after securing the chief minister's nod, the department quickly placed the project proposal before the state Cabinet seeking its approval.

"The Cabinet note does not have any details of the project. In fact, the detailed project report is yet to be prepared. The department on its own prepared a rough estimate of the entire project, including the cost, and placed it before the Cabinet," sources pointed out.

The Cabinet on Monday approved a Rs 84 crore project, including the proposed musical fountain and rock garden, to give a facelift to Lalbagh botanical garden. Announcing this to reporters, Home Minister V S Acharya said the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has been entrusted with the implementation of the musical fountain and rock garden with the assistance of the Horticulture Department.

The area of Lalbagh is about 240 acres.
Lalbagh proposed additions: rock garden, musical fountain
Lalbagh Botanical garden
Attracts an average 8,000 people every day
Nearly 15,000 people visit the gardens on a holiday
People come mainly to enjoy the greenery

After the completion of the projects at Lalbagh
There will be entertainment also/too
The number of visitors to increase considerably

Proposed Musical fountain and laser show
Total estimated cost/investment Rs 35 crore
To increase revenue
To come up at the lake in Lalbagh at the foot of the Kempe Gowda rock facing the historical glass house
To be constructed at the foot of the monolithic rock formation (at the western base area of the Kempe Gowda Tower)
To be designed on the lines of the famous Sentosa Island of Singapore
To be modelled like a fountain in Singapore
To resemble one in Singapore
To be kept open to public only in the evenings
Blueprint ready
Claimed to be a dream of late Ramakrishna Hegde (to have a musical fountain in Lalbagh)
Claimed to be being created now as a mark of respect to the departed leader
To attract people

Proposed Rock garden project
Claims to  be aesthetic as well as educative
Claims to house several types of plants and trees to be brought here from various parts of the world
To come up on 40 acres of low-lying land in the park
The total estimated cost/investment Rs 30 crore
Inspired by one at Sentosa island in Singapore
To be developed along the lines of the rock garden in Chandigarh, the Nek Chand's rock garden
To come up or to be built near the Kempe Gowda tower in the park / garden
Well-designed blue-print with seating arrangements ready
Claimed as a dream project of former chief minister Ramakrishna Hegde
Claimed to be conceived during RKH's tenure but dropped due to several reasons
Experts in the field of architecture and sculptures to be consulted before the work begins
Monolithic rock formation to be developed into a garden
Seats to ensure that visitors/people watched the laser show by/after sitting or getting themselves seated

Laser show
To showcase the evolution of Bangalore from the Garden City to the IT capital of India
To tell the tale of the growth of Bendakaluru to the city of Bengaluru
To depict Bangalore's/Bangalore history to the local / regional / national / global people / tourists

Entry fee not decided yet
Plans to have two laser shows of one hour duration each in the evening
3,000 people to be able to watch the show at a time

In the last financial year 2009-10, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens collected a revenue of Rs 2.03 crore by way of entry fee and flower shows (gate collection). Both projects are expected to fetch additional revenue for the state government in the coming days.

Mobilisation of funds for the project
The amount earned through the sale of Lalbagh land to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.  or BMRCL would be utilized for the purpose.

Centre has/had agreed to release Rs. 152 crore to the Karnataka Horticulture department under the National Horticultural Mission (NHM) in 2010-11.

It's also been decided to utilize Rs. 500 crore for a plantation programme under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act (MGNRE Act) this year. As much as Rs. 120 crore has already been spent under the job scheme for the plantation programme.

Food park / court
To be constructed near the Siddapura gate for the visitors
Media report claims that the Chief minister agreed that food should be available to visitors to the garden

Creation of an artificial mega waterfalls on the rock (facing Siddapura)
By the partial utilization of Rs.30 crore
To mimic the Niagara Falls
To be modelled on the Niagara Falls
By using the cleaned water from the Lalbagh lake although Lalbagh like the rest of the city faces a severe drinking water shortage

Plans are on the cards to create an artificial water falls on the rock (facing Siddapura), where quarry was done long ago. Water from the Lalbagh lake is to be used for this purpose.

Monolithic rock
Is spread over 33 acre in the Lalbagh
To be beautified by developing small gardens wherever possible
Has several patches of mud presently covered with weeds
Mud patches to be converted into gardens without causing any damage to the original rock formation

To give facelift to the gardens by constructing toilets & walking tracks
Desilting of the lake, development of island at the lake, construction of toilets, lawns, walking tracks and others will be taken up to give a facelift to the gardens.

Lalbagh lake to be desilted for rejuvenation, beautification and illumination

Bird life
While officials insisted in April 2009 that the bird life has/had improved after the rejuvenation of the lake, birdwatchers said that it has, in fact, dwindled. "The presence of over 20 purple morants signified good vegetation earlier. However, authorities are removing the vegetation growth on the quarry side. Shoreline vegetation is very important to maintain good bird life," M.B. Krishna, an ardent birdwatcher said.

Rs 29 crore facelift for Lalbagh Deccan Herald Wed, May 26, 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/71629/rs-29-crore-facelift-lalbagh.html 
Rock garden project
01) Cleaning, decorative wooden gate, dust bins, pathways, drinking water facilities, electrification, fencing and other facilities=Rs.17.05 crore
02) Actual rock garden work (also called soft landscaping)=Rs.07.25 crore
03) Office expenses=Rs.04.00 crore
04) Consultancy services=Rs.01.00 crore
Approximate total cost of the rock garden project=Rs.29.30 crore

Cost estimated for each of these works
01) Dust Bins (30*50,000)=Rs.15 lakh
02) Irrigation system=Rs.01 crore
03) Site cleaning=Rs.15 lakh
04) Decorative wooden gate=Rs.25 lakh

The Horticulture department has planned to spend more on hard landscaping (non-organic parts) than the soft landscaping as part of the proposed Rs 29.30 crore rock garden project in Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

As much as Rs 17.05 crore is estimated to be spent towards cleaning, decorative wooden gate, dust bins, pathways, drinking water facilities, electrification, fencing and other facilities.  For the actual rock garden work (also called soft landscaping), an estimated Rs 7.25 crore will be spent.

Deccan Herald is in possession of a provisional line estimate and project plan prepared by the department for the development of rock garden. Besides landscaping, a Rs 4 crore has been estimated as the office expenses and Rs 1 crore as the consultancy services.

Many gardens to come up

As part of the soft landscaping, the department has planned to develop a Zen garden, Cacti garden, Orchid garden, Topiary garden, Moss garden, Ornamental shrubs, Bonsai garden and lawns on the rock surface. The State Cabinet has already given green signal for the implementation of both the rock garden and musical fountain projects.

What has surprised one and all in the official circles is the cost estimated for each of these works. For instance, the cost of 30 dust bins has been estimated to be Rs 15 lakh (Rs 50,000 each). Similarly, Rs 1 crore for an irrigation system, Rs 15 lakh for site cleaning, Rs 25 lakh for a decorative wooden gate and so on and so forth.

Concrete artificial pond to set up musical fountain
To come up in front of Cacti House inside Lalbagh
Claimed to be constructed without disturbing the rock
Claimed to ensure that project do not damage the monument
Permission of the GSI (Geological Survey of India) to taken for this purpose, if necessary

Rock
Claimed to be spread across Lalbagh garden
Same rock claimed to extend till the City town hall
Horticulture Dept claims to beautify the rock and not to damage it

Soft landscaping
50 different species of cacti, succulents and suited botanical species to be planted
A Zen garden, Cacti garden, Orchid garden, Topiary garden, Moss garden, Ornamental shrubs, Bonsai garden and lawns to be developed on the rock surface

Some trees to be sacrificed / cut
Official sources said, some trees will have to be sacrificed for constructing the fountain. Though this fact has been discussed at the official level, it has not become part of any document as the detailed project report (DPR) is yet to be prepared

GSI dashes State%u2019s Lalbagh dreams Deccan Herald Wed, May 25, 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/71614/gsi-dashes-states-lalbagh-dreams.html
Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Construction cannot be taken up on the rock
Has declared the rock as a national geological monument
Rock by itself is very beautiful
It is a rare rock formation that needs to be preserved
Nowhere in the country can one find such a rock formation
Nobody can take up any work on it
Any work on the monumental Kempe Gowda rock requires permission from GSI
Horticulture department has not sought permission for taking up any work
Proposed fountain and rock garden might pose a threat to the rock

THE KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT PARKS (PRESERVATION) ACT, 1975
An Act to make provision to ensure the preservation of certain Government parks in the State of Karnataka.
4. Preservation of parks.- (1) It shall be the duty of the State Government to preserve and maintain as horticultural gardens the parks to which this Act is applicable and take such action as may be necessary to improve the utility of such parks as such gardens.
(2) No land or building within the parks to which this Act is applicable shall be alienated by way of sale, lease, gift, exchange, mortgage or otherwise or no licence for the use of any such land or building shall be granted and any alienation made or licence granted in contravention of this section shall be null and void:
Provided that the restriction under this sub-section to lease shall not apply in the case of buildings existing on the date of coming force of this Act.
1[5. x x x ]1
1. Inserted by Act 24 of 1976 and Omitted by Act 30 of 1982 w.e.f. 9.1.1976

Conclusion: We appeal to the all the persons / individuals agencies / officials / concerned not to destroy the Lalbagh Bagh Botanical Garden and its flora and fauna in the name of development by constructing rock garden, musical fountain and organizing laser shows. The construction of toilets / loos would be in violation of THE KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT PARKS (PRESERVATION) ACT, 1975..etc.

Lalbagh to lose trees for a Sentosa look Deccan Herald Tue, May 25
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/71424/lalbagh-lose-trees-sentosa-look.html

Lalbagh additions: rock garden, musical fountain The Hindu, Wed, May 19, 2010
http://www.thehindu.com/2010/05/19/stories/2010051963190800.htm
More to see:The proposed rock garden and musical fountain at Lalbagh are expected to increase revenue.

http://www.todaynews.in/city/bangalore/musical-fountain-rock-garden-for-lalbagh-74665.html
State govt has sanctioned Rs65 crore for the projects

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/70362/now-musical-fountain-lalbagh.html 
Rock garden, laser show in the sprawling green space planned
Now, musical fountain at Lalbagh - Deccan Herald, May 19, 2010
For gardeners, spring is a race against time. But for the State government, summer is a time to plan sprucing up Lalbagh: adding a musical fountain and a rock garden to the floral display and the green foliage that the sprawling, picturesque acres in the heart of the City is known for.

Lalbagh makeover plan a step closer to reality May 19, 2010
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/lalbagh-makeover-plan-a-step-closer-to-reality/174532.html 

Walkers at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens get the Yeddyurappa's ear - Daiy News Analysis or DNA Wed, May 05, 2010
http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_walkers-at-lalbagh-botanical-gardens-get-the-yeddyurappa-s-ear_1379184 

City to get rock garden, fountain - Deccan Chronicle May 19th, 2010
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/bengaluru/city-get-rock-garden-fountain-938

A plant like no other in Lalbagh The Hindu, Tue, April 14, 2009
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/04/14/stories/2009041458140200.htm

Citizens show thumbs down to govt's Lalbagh 'facelift' plan Deccan Herald Thursday, May 26, 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/71817/citizens-show-thumbs-down-govts.html
Bangaloreans are proud of Lalbagh. And, they seem to be in no mood to allow any intervention by the government either to beautify it or sell hard to tourists by installing a musical fountain or conducting a laser show.

In response to Deccan Herald's invitation to express their views whether Lalbagh should remain as it is or should be developed as an amusement park, a good number of Bangaloreans have sent their mails vehemently opposing the horticulture department's proposed plans.

While a reader said he distributed sweets after reading the news that Geological Survey of India is opposing any work on the rock garden, a member of the Mysore Grahakara Parishat or MGP has submitted a petition to the governor, chief minister and head of the Horticulture Department opposing the project proposals to develop Lalbagh into a fun park.
Here are excerpts from the mails DH has received:
Don't disturb nature
Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are the only two remaining lung spaces in the heart of Bangalore. Why does the Government want to turn every open space into an amusement park?

Lalbagh is beautiful as it is, so please let it be as it is. Let it not become a Santosa. Nature is beautiful as it is, just preserve it.
Prema Kakade

No junking
The Garden City (Bangalore) has already lost much of its greenery. There is no dearth of amusement centres in the City. It is absolutely absurd to develop Lalbagh as an amusement centre. It shows lack of direction at policy makers' level.

If Lalbagh becomes an amusement park ignoring the sentiments of the people, the entire area will become a garbage yard as eateries are bound to come up.  The need of the hour is to ban plastic, movement of vehicles, desilt lake and prohibit further construction in Lalbagh. Let us not lose even a single tree in the name of development.
Rajiv N Magal, Bannerghatta Road

A great lung space
Lalbagh should remain what it has been for the past 250 years, a beautiful garden and a great lung space.
Karthik

Need maintenance
It is good to see Deccan Herald taking up the cause of saving Lalbagh. It is distressing to read that the botanical gardens will be 'beautified' in inappropriate way. Lalbagh and Cubbon Park that are beautiful by themselves need maintenance. I wonder what official version of beauty is.

Lalbagh should be cherished, preserved as heritage and not marred by nonsensical 'facelifts.' It is heartening to know that GSI is opposing the project. Hope good sense will prevail upon officers to stop the project.
Srikrishna Aiyar

Preserve for posterity
As a school teacher, I feel that construction of an amusement park is a colossal  waste and burden on Bangaloreans. It aggravates pollution. Already many old trees have been chopped under the pretext of widening roads, construction of metro rails, fly-overs, etc.
We should not disturb nature. Lalbagh should be preserved for posterity.
Kala, Yeshwanthpur

Why don't they learn?
Let the government do not do anything to the natural beauty of the rock and old trees of Lalbagh.

Why not decision makers learn from their foreign trips to leave nature and maintain the gardens as they are? Should we do everything to attract tourists? We certainly do not want Santosa. Keeping the gardens clean is sufficient.
Ahalya Kumar

Choking the lungs Deccan Herald or DH Editorial dtd Thu, May 26, 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/71770/choking-lungs.html
Lalbagh isn't meant to be a cheap, touristy place.

With its unregulated growth continuing unrelentingly, pollution and lack of lung spaces in Bangalore are certain to become a major issue in the near future. The emissions from its two-million plus vehicles plying on its roads, the deafening decibel levels and uncleared garbage have ruined the ambient air quality in the metropolis. The carrying capacity of the City has been stretched far beyond acceptable levels with the serious shortages of water and electricity and choked roads. The mindless construction activity and the destruction of trees in the name of infrastructure development have increased the ambient temperature.

Kempe Gowda, the city's founder, and the men who gave it its current shape later including Hyder Ali, Tipu/Tippu Sultan, the British and the Indian administrators who followed them in the early decades of the last century ensured that the City was not only livable but also that it continued to retain its fame as Garden City or for that matter the air-conditioned city. Perhaps the pace of growth makes it inevitable that Bangalore slides down the quality of living index a couple of notches. But none expects active collusion of the administrators in ensuring that whatever lung spaces left in the City are converted into tacky, crass and cheap touristy hangouts. That precisely seems to be the objective of the state government's horticulture department whose amazingly obtuse thinkers had to seek inspirational ideas from a resort in Singapore for their outlandish plans to improve upon the natural beauty of Lalbagh. The flashes of inspiration they received from Singapore's playground include a rock garden, a laser show and a musical fountain. What is missing from the Sentosa menu? A monorail, a golf course, a skyride, a four-dimensional theatre, a sky tower and a cable car?

The Lalbagh and the Cubbon Park are among the precious legacies that the founders of Bangalore have left for the generations succeeding them. It is as if they anticipated that the City would grow beyond the towers of Kempe Gowda and would need parks for some fresh air. The Lalbagh, which hosts many rare species of flora and caters to the needs of thousands of citizens, needs to be left as it has been for the last two-and-half centuries. If the present lot in the horticulture department cannot lavish the loving care its forerunners did on the parks, the least it could do is leave the lung spaces alone.

Park will turn parking lot, scream B'loreans Deccan Herald May 26, 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/71820/park-turn-parking-lot-scream.html
At loggerheads: Govt pushes ahead with 2 projects despite citizens crying foul
Already congested roads around Lalbagh are likely to get choked if the Horticulture Department's musical dancing fountain and the laser show plans are implemented inside the botanical gardens.

Consider this: Lalbagh presently has about four acre area (near east gate) reserved for parking, and it can accommodate a maximum of 600 four-wheelers and 1,000 two-wheelers at a time. Nearly 400 four-wheelers and an equal number of two-wheelers are parked on normal days. It is expected that the proposed laser show, musical fountain and rock garden would attract additional 5,000 visitors and tourists per day, which may require space for additional 1,000 four-wheelers. Then, there will hardly be any space for vehicle parking in the garden, official sources said.

Result: Most of the vehicles will have to be parked outside Lalbagh, as it happens during the annual flower shows. KH Road, Siddapura Road, Marigowda Road, Krumbigal Road and Lalbagh Road are already choking. Traffic police will have tough time ensuring traffic flow here.

Visitors
On an average 10,000 people visit Lalbagh on a normal day, including walkers and joggers. On holidays, the number goes up to 15,000. During flower shows, nearly one lakh people visit the garden. "The existing parking space is sufficient for a normal day. It is a big problem on holidays and during flower shows," officials said.

Food court too
The Horticulture Department used to throw open 2.5 acre land near Siddapura gate (south gate) for parking whenever necessary, especially during the flower shows. Now, it has planned to develop an evergreen museum and a food court as part of Rs 84 crore Lalbagh development project, which was approved by the State cabinet recently.

Officials also said more visitors means more damage to the botanical garden. For instance, lawns, ornamental shrubs and flowers plants in the 240 acre garden get trampled on holidays. Flower shows cause extensive damage. Besides, cleanliness becomes an issue. These will become an everyday problem once musical fountain and laser show are introduced, officials explained.

Knee-jerk reaction to Govt proposal Deccan Herald May 28 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72004/knee-jerk-reaction-govt-proposal.html
'Appalling...', 'Ridiculous...', 'Has the horticulture department lost its senses?...', 'Why is the government hellbent on spoiling Lalbagh?...', 'It is a money making scheme...'.
These and more are the reactions of Bangaloreans to the government proposal to have a musical fountain and conduct a laser show in Lalbagh botanical gardens.

Responding to the invitation to express their views on the issue  'Lalbagh or Fun Park', readers flooded the Deccan Herald email inbox. Here are some excerpts.

City's pride
Lalbagh should remain the way it is. It is Bangalore's  pride and nothing  should be done to ruin it. The government must first clean the garbage lying around in Lalbagh.
Surabhi Mishra

Appalling plan
The plan is unilateral, uninformed and sinister. Over the decades, we are a witness to erosion of Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. It is outrageous that the Chief Minister can, in one visit decide how Lalbagh should be spruced up.
Smita Bellur

Useless project
It is appalling to read the Horticulture Department plans for 'beautification' of Lalbagh. It is nothing short of preposterous. To make a rock garden for people to sit and watch a laser show is a sacrilege.
Leela Krishnamohan

Clean Lalbagh
The government must just clean Lalbagh and not construct buildings. Let the government not hand over the gardens to private companies.
Arasappa Shetty Thyagaraj

Have fountain elsewhere. A portion of Lalbagh is already being taken for the Metro. The Government can think of creating a musical fountain at General Cariappa Park.
C R Seshadri

A farce
Dr Mari Gowda, the officer who developed Lalbagh, must be turning in his grave. Citizens  should  strongly oppose any change in Lalbagh.
L Narayana

Developers' plan
There are innumerable instances where 'developers' collude with politicians and bureaucrats to mindlessly destroy ambience of the City. The Lalbagh project is just an another case.
S N Balasubrahmanyam

Let Sasya Kashi be
It will surely be a big commercial racket, caring two hoots to 'Sasya Kashi' as Kuvempu described it.
Jeetendra

Ridiculous
Estimate of Rs 29 crores for Lalbagh is ridiculous. Allocation of Rs. 50,000 for each dust bin clearly show who pockets such money!
U N Bhat

Thanks, GSI!
I'm 15. Thanks to Geological Survey of India which is against disturbing the rocks in Lalbagh. People come to Lalbagh to walk, jog, exercise, etc., and not to sit and enjoy. Laser shows will disturb birds. I strongly protest against the plans to meddle with the beauty of the gardens.
Rajiv Krishna

Don't cut trees!
Bangalore does not need an amusement park. We must keep the lung space and keep Bangalore green. No more tree cutting.
Prof Sheila Prasad

Facelift?
The Rs 29-crore plan is an opportunity to swindle the tax payers' money. It is for officials' 'facelift' and not for the botanical gardens. Let Lalbagh remain Lalbagh.
T Vardhese

Smell a rat!
I am shocked! Despite people's protest, if the government still want to proceed with its plan, I smell a rat. Someone's pocket is going to filled at the cost of the hapless trees.
Dr Anand

Funds for amusement?
Some months ago, the government wanted to increase the entry fee to Lalbagh on the grounds that it had no funds for development. Where is it getting funds to provide amusement?
R S Khemka

Save it
As someone who's lived in Bangalore most of her life, I request that Lalbagh not be turned into a rock garden.
Shubhangi

Plant more trees
Lalbagh as it is so beautiful. Why people are thinking only to spoil it? Let them plant more and more species of trees. Why do we require all these musical fountains, amusement park inside lalbagh?
Lakshmi

Floral temple
Poet Kuvempu has rightly said that this is a floral temple and God rests in the form of flowers. If one has an inner eye, he can experience divinity here. Any additions or alterations here definetly spoil the natural ambiance groomed  systematically by the founders and subsequent british and indian directors of this garden.
Suresh Moona

Dumb Idea
Horticulture Director N Jayaram's idea of converting Lalbagh in to a amusement park, is dumb and stupid. Please leave this park alone. Let people walk in this park in peace.
K R Venkataramaiah

Force change
Ordinary methods of opposing will not work here. Organisers of this campaign must not only rope in not only local residents in vast numbers but also take the help of  several celebrities for the cause. The official machinery of the  Government can be compared to the  maoists of Dantewada. The opposing group must strive persistently and permanently shut the mouth of the concerned authorities in one go!
BG Subhash

Lalbagh for tree walks not for laser show Deccan Herald May 28 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72005/lalbagh-tree-walks-not-laser.html
Ornithologist, biodiversity expert against fun park
Citizens are crying foul over the Government's plans to 'beautify' Lalbagh. So also ornithologists and biodiversity experts.

The subject experts absolutely see no merit in meddling with the natural beauty of Lalbagh as they think the Government has the least concern for the rich flora and fauna of the gardens.

Zafar Futehally, well-known ornithologist and biodiversity expert, has taken serious exception for the new plans of the Horticulture Department.  He is 90 and not keeping well. Despite his condition, he took pains to express his views so that the botanical garden will not be 'upgraded the way it is planned now.

He said, "The proposed plans of the Government will affect vegetation, animals and the climate too. Lalbagh is meant for all living creatures, not just for human beings." Biodiversity expert Harish Bhat termed the Government's idea as 'nonsense'. Lalbagh is a place for 130 bird species, most of which are nocturnal - active during night. It is a house of four varieties of owls - collared scops owl, barn owl, mottled owl and spotted owlets.

They go for hunt during night. "A laser show or a musical fountain in the evenings will disturb the life style of these birds", he said. "Nowhere in Europe or the US, elements of fun are allowed in botanical gardens. Forget laser show, even vehicles should not be allowed inside the park. It should be treated as a sanctum sanctorum of bio-diversity.

Why not we cultivate habit of watching trees and birds? Many foreigners visit the park only to study the trees in the park. We should encourage tree walks in the garden to know trees better," he said. Lalbagh should be a place for botanical tours, not laser shows, he added.

Greens, historians say no to Lalbagh's facelift Deccan Herald May 29
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72219/greens-historians-say-no-lalbaghs.html
The proposed make-over of Lalbagh has invited criticism from different sections of society.
Environmentalists, historians have come forward to express their strong opposition to any development in the park which affects life of flora and fauna in the park. Environmentalist and retired secretary of Forest Department A N Yellappa Reddy said Lalbagh is not a place meant for fun. Let those want to have fun go to pubs or clubs in the city. No human being has right to disturb serenity in the park. "The department has to put excess lights during laser shows. Butterflies will be attracted to light and lose life.

Why do you disturb their life?" he questioned.

For many plants evening is the best time for pollination. If the government conducts laser show or musical fountain during that time, plant life is affected. Temperature and light have direct impact on blossoming of a flower and its fragrance. Any project altering light and temperature of the area will not generate hormones necessary for biological activities.

Lalbagh is a place of nocturnal birds, which go for hunt in the night. How could they go for hunting in an area filled with noise of laser show and musical fountain, he questioned.

Reddy said Lalbagh is meant for life. The people who lack eco-centric approach in their administration are spending money to kill life in the gardens. "It is the serene place left for Bangaloreans. The government should safeguard it for generations to come", he said.

Dr Choodamani Nandagopal, Historian and UNESCO Fellow has said that Lalbagh is not just a garden to make it an amusement place. The concerns of the officials from GSI on Lalbagh is genuine.

She said that Lalbagh has the potential of getting recognised as World Environmental Heritage Site by Unesco because of the rocks and its heritage of 250 years. If we make this a commercial venture we will loose the grace of applying for this status. Lalbagh can be only one such world heritage garden. Instead of spoiling let us work towards getting recognition from Unesco. Once it comes under the UNESCO itenary the status of Bangalore and India elevates to greatest height.

Another interesting project could be the world class publication on Lalbagh with the botanical paintings professionally created by an artist Cheluviah Raju almost 100 years ago. The 700 paintings are very well preserved, thanks to the Horticultural Department and Library, Choodamani said.

She further point out that about 100 paintings of Cheluviah Raju were sent to Kew Garden, London by the then British Officer Cameron who commissioned the artist for documenting the various species of plants brought to Lalbagh from different countries.

These paintings were sent to London for publication. But due to lack of resources to publish they have been returned and preserved safely in Lalbagh. Since then several attempts were made to publish but have not seen the light till today. If these paintings were in Kew Garden instead of sending to Bangalore they would have seen the light long back. The dream of the artist Cheluviah Raju,  Cameron, Dr Mari Gowda and the team who worked for last four years (including me) is unfulfilled.

S Sridhar, publisher of Newsletter for Birdwatchers, termed the proposed move as disastrous. Natural condition is ideal for birds and animals to be active and breed. If serenity of Lalbagh is disturbed many species lose life. The park is a place for many rare birds. It is one place where one can spend time watching trees and birds. There are many places in the outskirts of the city for fun or amusement. The administration should be looking at providing quality education for the needy rather than entertaining the urban populace, he said.

What citizens say...

Retain lung space
Lalbagh should remain a lung space forever. Being a Bangalorean by birth, I have observed how Bangalore has turned from a green valley to a concrete and plastic zone.

Let the authorities not take work which is harmful to the environment.
Ramesh, Rajajinagar

Money at any cost
If Singapore has Sentosa, Bangalore has Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. I don't see why we have to turn everything we have into something that imitates Singapore or the West.

Why can't we keep what we have well maintained and be proud of it? It looks that the government wants to make money at any cost, be it through amusement park fees, laser show fees or food court rents.
Prabha, Malleswaram

Don't abuse
I recently visited Lalbagh and was glad to see that it is still green and has not been turned into a commercial venture. Like many Bangaloreans, I too prefer it to be maintained as a clean good green gardens. Please do not abuse it by trying to convert it into anything else.
Shashidhar, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

Vested interest
Please do not permit any amusement activities, which will be an extravagant nonsense. It will do no good. Find out who is proposing this monstrosity?
Smita Shah

Don't ape Singapore
Turning Lalbagh into an amusement park is nothing but a senseless plan. It will lose its charm, beauty, song of birds, biodiversity, peace and also historical importance.  It is still a lung space despite not being maintained satisfactorily.

If the government wants to ape Singapore, let it provide good infrastructure, check throwing garbage, urinating and spitting on the roads.
Brinda N Rao

No brains
Lalbagh does not need any civil work and felling trees is nothing short of sacrilege. The focus should be on ecology and green, not architecture.

The geometrical monstrosity near the west gate that was constructed a few years ago is a case in point.  The decision-makers do not seem to use their brains. Rather than promoting a food court, eatables should be banned in the gardens. What is needed is just clean drinking water and banning of vehicles' entry.
Sridhar Deshmukh, Basavanagudi

No fun
We don't want an amusement park. Let Lalbagh remain as it is.
Anil Kumar

No parking
I am against providing a parking space in Lalbagh by destroying flora and fauna. This is just a gimmick playing by the government to swallow the money.
Amaresh N

Protect environment
The state government should protect its forests and environment first before they come up with grandiose plans to imitate what Singapore does.

If the government wants to have a rock garden, let it acquire the quarries next to Hulimavu lake and create another park there.
Jayadeep

No Beautification
I strongly oppose the 'development' plans of the horticulture department. Lalbagh being a botanical gardens, is meant to conserve plant species. If any amusement is added then too many people visit causing huge parking problem. Birds and insects will be disturbed.

There is no shortage of amusement centres in the City. There are many malls. Then why turn Lalbagh into an amusement centre?
Sujay Acharya

Better sense
Many of us have watched sadly and helplessly the destruction of Bangalore's environment in the name of progress.  We need to get citizens closer to nature and amusement parks are not the way to do it. Can we hope that better sense will prevail?
Bharathi Prabhu, Rajajinagar

Stop it
Lalbagh is a treasure. The rocks there are a million years old. The trees are  hundred years old. Why do humans want to destroy this and create something that will at best be used for a few years? This is irresponsible and must stop.
Meena R

It's perfect
Lalbagh is gorgeous, natural space with plants and trees from many corners of the globe.

How can anyone expect to 'beautify' something that is already perfect? What can we do as citizens to make the government drop the intended projects? How can we give our support to the GSI to help them combat the 'uglification' of Lalbagh?
B S Domergue

Retain beauty
It will be a sad day for Bangloreans to see the Lalbagh getting converted into an amusement park. It will destroy the natural beauty which is supposed to be one of the finest one in the world. Commercialisation in any form with whatever motive will make the gardens lose its charm. Let the government have a musical fountain outside the City. Every citizen in Bangalore should oppose the plan.
Ravindranathan P V,  Vinayakanagar

Let it stay
I do oppose the conversion of Lalbagh into an amusement park. Please let it stay the way it has been for the last few decades.
Parvathi

What a shame!
Bangaloreans must hang their heads in shame for voting a Government that is arrogant enough to neglect its voters' demands, be it the Tagore Underpass, the Military War Memorial, Metro through MG road or changing Lalbagh into an amusement park. The government should focus on providing shelter to the flood ravaged victims of North Karnataka, providing good educational and medical facilities in the under-developed areas.
Rajesh, Sharadamba Nagar

Maintain status quo
Lalbagh should remain as a lung space with rich flora and fauna. It is beautiful as it is. Let the government think of maintaining the rich heritage of botanical gardens in the Lalbagh.
Jayarathna G K

Dissent
I record my dissent regarding development of this beautiful botanical gardens into an amusement park.
Dr  Vallath Nandini

Leave / Keep it pollution free
Lalbagh should be retained as it is at any cost to be pollution free. On flower show days itself it is cumbersome even to enter Lalbagh. Adding amusement events will attract much more crowd.

The Sentosa island's geography is entirely different from that of Lalbagh. Even at Sentosa the crowd is too much and difficult to maintain cleanliness inspite of Singapore being credited for it.
Venkatesh K R

Citizens continue to dissent Lalbagh modification plans Deccan Herald Sun May 30 2010
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72372/citizens-continue-dissent-lalbagh-modification.html
The Horticulture department is still not ready to categorically say whether it has given up its plans to 'beautify' Lalbagh.

But, it looks it has understood the sentiments of the people. Bangaloreans want the gardens to be left as it is if the government is in mood to spend money to provide basic facilities.

It looks Bangaloreans are not going to stop airing their dissent against the 'grandiose' plans of the government to 'beautify' the gardens until they get a clear assurance from the authorities.

Here are some excerpts from the mails Deccan Herald has received:

Leave it alone
For everyone's sake leave Lalbagh alone. It needs only trees!
Janis Barker, Koramangala

Evil plan
I really don't feel that any changes should be made to Lalbagh. It is one of the richest cultural heritage of India. The idea of cutting trees just for the sake of amusement is evil.
Radhika Padia

No change
Lalbagh is the only green space left in Bangalore. Please do not change its environment.
Meghana Shivananda

City's jewel
Plants and trees are the soul of Lalbagh. The original planners had that in mind.  It is indeed the crown jewel for the City.  Adding amusement to it will only bring visitors who have no interest in biodiversity. The character of the gardens will change for ever.
Nanda

Spare it
Bangalore has already lost its greenery. At least Lalbagh should be spared with its little flora & fauna.
I Ramakrishna Rao

No alternative
Bangalore will be no more the same without our Lalbagh. It is a place where fresh air and greenery is available. Nothing else can compensate it.
Swathi

More traffic
As it is the local government no longer allows any lung space to the city in its planning any more!  What right does it have to take away the existing lung spaces?  Besides, wouldn't an amusement park create even more traffic congestion?
V Raghnathan

Keep off
I strongly protest the ugly proposal of the government to 'beautify' the gardens. Let them see how a huge park like Hyde Park in London is left untouched. It is not the business of the government to provide amusement. Lalbagh and Cubbon Park belong to public.
Anil Kumar, Richmond Road

Criminal act
Its shocking that the government has come up with this hare-brained idea of converting Lalbagh into an ugly amusement park.  We oppose this stupid idea. If the government is willing to spend crores of rupees on Lalbagh, let them plant more saplings, provide clean toilets and safe drinking water to the people who visit the gardens.
Chandrika Rao

Why copy?
Why are we so obsessed with copying other cities? Some years back, our Chief Minister vowed to turn Bangalore into Singapore. And now, we have people trying to turn Lalbagh into Sentosa Islands. Agreed, both these places are worth replicating but I would be very happy if Bangalore could be restored to its former glory of the early 80s. For that, we don't have to destroy the natural beauty of the city.
Sarita Bery, Jayanagar

Don't tamper
Bangaloreans are proud of Lalbagh. I protest tampering with the natural beauty of it.
Kasturi Raghavendra

No changes
Rich flora and fauna should and must remain at Lalbagh.
Jaya Shetty Panth

Waste of money
Tranquillity is more important than fountains and laser shows. Amusements can be had in other locations, preferably outskirts of Bangalore. Don't waste money and spoil Lalbagh. I oppose the plan.
Krishna Upadhya

More problem
We have very few lung spaces left with us to enjoy the beauty of nature. Temperature is increasing steadily. Cutting down more trees will only aggravate the problems around us.
Indu Jaiswal

Selfish move
After the Metro, now it is the turn of the horticulture department to take the responsibility of pulling down the trees. This is selfish and disgusting. Nature lovers should do everything to stop the proposal to replicate the Sentosa island at Lalbagh. Just leave the beautiful park alone, for God's sake.
Anup Dutt

Sheer destruction
Hats off to Deccan Herald for starting the debate on Lalbagh. It is heartening to see all the distraction right in front of our so called civilised eyes. Whatever is being planned in name of beautification is nothing but destruction.
Srirangarajan S

No plastic
We certainly can do without another one of those plastic and  metal theme parks. Lalbagh should remain the way it is. I would like my kid to see a 100 year old tree rather than some musical fountain.
Manoj

No tree loss
Even as a teenager, I feel a sense of duty towards Lalbagh. It is one place which is free from pollution. It should not lose trees. A fountain and a laser show will destroy the gardens.

I have made any appeal to the Chief Minister in this regard. Hope it will yield the desired results. People should unite to prevent the disaster.
Vishesh

Add more trees
I oppose the idea of construction of restaurants, parking lots and fountains at Lalbagh. Why commercialise it? Think of adding few more trees. Let it be just Lalbagh.
Mamatha Ninge Gowda

No commercialisation
Stop commercialising the only sane place - Lalbagh - in this mad city. People go to parks not to have food but to get some fresh air and peace. Collect more entry fee if you want money to maintain the gardens.
Sanath Kumar

Preserve it
I am 15 and been living here from my birth. Lalbagh should be preserved as it is.
Avani

Senseless
Turning Lalbagh into an amusement park is senseless. Please keep it the way it is.
Jaya Sridhar

No blings
Instead of spending tax payers' money on blings, let the government plant more saplings.  It is a place to relax and not a recreational park.
Pallavi Vittal

Oppose
I am against the development project of Lalbagh.
Pooja Sagar

Don't mimic
There are several other ways to mimic Singapore like having better infrastructure and clean roads. Turning Lalbagh into amusement park does not turn Bangalore into a Singapore. First thing to go in the name of development are the poor trees because they cannot speak for themselves. Save Lalbagh.
Sree Aithal

Save
Save Lalbagh
Pavan

Fresh spot
Lalbagh is place to inhale fresh oxygen and enjoy greenery. The government need not copy the Sentosa island at Lalbagh without knowing the geological significance of it.
S G Ramachandra, Jayanagar

Joy for ever
As a senior citizen who has lived all through in Bengaluru, I do not wish a single leaf in Lalbagh to be disturbed. Let it be a joy for ever and everyone.
Raghavendra D R

Amusement park not amusing, feel citizens Deccan Herald, May 31
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72536/amusement-park-not-amusing-feel.html
Bangaloreans want nothing but a categorical statement from the Government that the proposed musical fountain and rock garden projects at Lalbagh botanical gardens are dropped.

Senior poiltician and former minister P G R Sindhia and former Additional Chief Secretary Chiranjiv Singh too have voiced their concern over the Government's move. "It is not advisable to disturb the rare species at the gardens and convert it into an entertainment zone. I therefore urge the Government to honour the public opinion in this regard," Sindhia said.

Chiranjiv Singh has termed the proposal as madness. "Twice during my service (in the State Government) these proposals had come before me and I threw them out. I convinced the then Chief Ministers, Ramakrishna Hegde and S M Krishna, why the proposals deserved to be thrown out. I am surprised that such a proposal can even be entertained. What Lalbagh needs is more trees and plants of different species, less concrete and less number of people. Musical fountains and food courts are best left to malls as in East Asia," he stated.

The concerned Bangaloreans have said the Metro project has already done an irreparable damage to Lalbagh in particular and the city's greenery in general. If at all the Government wants to emulate Singapore, it should first provide proper infrastructure.

Here are some excerpts from the mails Deccan Herald has received:
Let it remain
Let Lalbagh remain as it is - as a lung space - forever. No need for any amusement parks in that area. People have enough amusement in their own homes! Let them come to see the birds and trees and not get amused by artificial means!
Dina

No need
I totally agree with the statement "If the government wants to ape Singapore, let it first give good infrastructure, clean up roads, and provide basic amenities to the citizens."  Amusement park is not at all a basic necessity.
Shoba

Drop the idea
Do we need this at a time when many of the government Hospitals and schools do not have the basic amenities like water, sanitation, beds, medicines and doctors.

No litter
I vote against this so called development of Lalbagh. The Metro project has already done irreparable damage. I hope Government realises before its too late. The least we could do to beautify Lalbagh is enforce the no-plastic and no litter within the premises.
Ganesh

Don't meddle
As a senior citizen I have  been visiting  Lalbagh for over 55 years I request the like minded people in the authority to rethink about this project. Lalbagh requires regular maintenance like watering, desilting of the tank and providing additional security personnel to check the anti-social activity inside the park. Please do not meddle with the nature's gift.
T S Krishna Murthy, Senior Citizen Forum, Jayanagar 5th Block

Green paradise
I think the Horticulture Department's plan is rubbish. They will destroy our treasure by trying to imitate someone else. Lalbagh has always been a green paradise. I don't see any need for  modernisation or development. The trees, plants, flowers and birds don't need any modernisation. A musical fountain or laser show will bring along with it scores of people and eventually destroy Bangalore's oldest landmark - Hyder Ali's dream.
Vishesh Chander Guru