Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 27: A second major park is set to come up soon opposite the existing Kadri Park, one of the landmark recreational spaces in Mangaluru. The new park will be developed on around 3.50 acres of land at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore under the Central government’s AMRUT scheme.

Apart from Kadri Park, Mangaluru does not have any other large public park. However, there are more than 10 small parks within the limits of the Mangaluru City Corporation.

The existing Kadri Park is maintained by the horticulture department. Out of the total 17 acres, 13 acres comprise the park while the remaining 4 acres house a deer park. Though it is known as a park, lush greenery is sparse during summer due to water shortage. As a result, the park appears dry and parched during the hot season. Lack of parking space has also forced visitors to park vehicles along both sides of the Kadri Park road. The park also has an open-air theatre where cultural programmes and festivals are regularly conducted.

The proposed second park will include several facilities not available in the existing Kadri Park. The new park will feature a small stage, garden areas and a walking track. In addition, parking facilities for a maximum number of vehicles are planned on both sides of the entrance gate.

The existing Kadri Park has been facing severe water shortage. To address the issue, the Kadri Park committee has prepared a plan to reuse treated water from the Bendorewell sewage treatment plant (STP).

Under the proposal, 30 percent of the recycled water from the STP will be pumped and stored in a large tank near Kadri Park. The tank, with a storage capacity of 70 lakh litres, will be used to supply water across the entire park. The initiative is expected to permanently resolve the water scarcity problem at Kadri Park.