Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 5: The Maryhill helipad is a favourite hangout spot for many. Children, women, senior citizens frequent the helipad for evening walk, exercise, play or simply to admire the scenery and feel the cool breeze.

The open space at the helipad is a perfect playground for children. Unfortunately, this beautiful locale has turned into a dump yard and is currently in a pathetic situation. In the late hours, young revellers visit the spot to drink and smoke. They have dumped empty alcohol bottles and cigarette packets all over the place.

In the recent times, the helipad is rarely used. The politicians who usually landed at the helipad, now arrive by plane at Mangaluru International Airport and a quick car ride to the city.

IGP Western Range Arun Chakravarthy's residence is located adjacent to the Maryhill helipad. In spite of this, the young revellers are not deterred. They prefer to party at the place and leave behind bottles and garbage, which has become a nuisance to the residents and general public.

In a matter of fact, there are so many glass bottles and pieces that it has become a dangerous place to walk.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, senior citizen Janardhan who resides in Maryhill said, "From past several years, I prefer this place for exercise and walk. This is a beautiful location and an open space. But now it has turned out to be a dump yard of alcohol bottles, glass pieces. I wonder despite IGP's residence located close by, why youngsters are not in control and create nuisance. They have destroyed this beautiful place.”

"Many youngsters come in their vehicles and drink alcohol and throw bottles in every corner of the place. The entire helipad has become a hang out spot of alcoholics. Police need to take stringent action against this,” stresses Janardhan.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, district-in-charge minister U T Khader said, "The Maryhill helipad ground is being misused during the late hours. I will ask police department to keep an eye on this area. Even the IGP's residence is located in this region, so I will ask the concerned department to take preventive measures and control this nuisance.”