Joshwa D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (JD)

Bantwal, Oct 8: BC road has always been known as the town which has sprung as the shadow city of Mangaluru. Any major change that has taken place in Mangaluru has reflected on this town situated on the banks of the River Nethravati.

Since a few years, commuters travelling between Bengaluru and Mangaluru have cursed BC Road for two main reasons. The foul smell of garbage piled close to the railway and the continuous traffic jam many kilometres long are these reasons. The problem of traffic jam was solved after the construction of an additional railway under-bridge while the garbage problem got simultaneously solved and a park was established over the garbage landfill.

Built with the special interest taken by MLA of Bantwal constituency and the district in-charge minister Bellippadi Ramanatha Rai, the new park is not only the first of its kind in Bantwal taluk, it is also a model park for other neighbouring taluks like Beltangady, Sullia and Puttur. It has been built with an expenditure of Rs 1.4 crore by the state pollution control board.

This park was a deep gorge filled with trees into which a private bus plying to BC Road from Moodbidri had fallen into, in the late 1990s when many had lost their lives. After that to make it convenient for garbage filling, trees were cut and now over the landfill, the park has become an eye-catching place.

Amenities

The park, named 'Jodumarga Udayanavana' has many firsts to its kind with a free WIFI zone and drinking water supply. Adjacent to the park there is provision for a car park with a capacity of 30-40 cars and there are 30 benches for visitors inside the park.

"It also has fountains and lights fitted on artificial bamboo poles to reinvigorate one's mind and soul. It is said to be the first triangular shaped park in the state," says Pramod, contractor of the park.

Interlock path for walkers, toilets and additional restrooms make it the best rejuvenating park next to the national highway.

Eco-friendly

The lights in the park are solar powered and rain water harvesting too has been implemented. Every corner has been provided with dustbins and care has been taken to give it a natural look with statues of animals and birds.

The park which can also be a suitable spot for small functions accommodating 200-300 people will be inaugurated on Sunday, October 9 by state chief minister Siddaramaiah.