The Hindu

Mangalore, Dec 18: This growing port city, billed as an emerging business hotspot, boasts only one big park - Kadri Park. Though surrounded by many residential areas, very few people visit the park. Many seem to prefer the nearby road where traffic is not allowed. That reflects the condition of the park.

Chairman of the Legislative Council B.K. Chandrashekar who was here recently criticised the authorities concerned for their failure to maintain it the park. "It is in a pathetic state," he told presspersons. He said that authorities could spend around Rs. 15 lakh and make it beautiful.

Jagadish R. Padil, Consulting Engineer and Architect and B. Ashok Kumar, electrical contractor have been coming to the park for around eight years.

They said that the jogging track, which was laid with uneven stones was best avoided as people stumbled and fell. Besides, a walk on the uneven stony path was uncomfortable, they added.

Though people are allowed to walk there in the evenings, there is no proper lighting. "Some undesirable activities go on in the night here," Mr. Kumar said. Though the main gate was closed, there are other ways to get in, he said.

They were not happy with the security at the park. Nagaraj Saraf, who works with a pharmaceutical company, said that half the park was rendered useless during the rainy season. "Water stands up to 4-feet and half the jogging track is submerged," he said.

A jogger pointed out that Mangala Stadium attracted more people, though Kadri Park was more "oxygen rich." A little effort to maintain it would go a long way, he said.

Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture, (State Sector) N. Somaiah told The Hindu that the park would be spruced up at a cost of Rs. 60 lakh. "It will wear a new look before next monsoon," he said.