Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Oct 28: The Anekere Sadyojata Park here, which used to witness the rush of tourists during the holidays, now wears a deserted look. Because of corona pandemic, tourism has taken a thorough beating, and no tourists can be seen at this park nowadays.

The park has become a desirable destination for the people as it has new features. Many tourists would visit the town to see Gomateshwara hill, ancient Basadi and other spots here from various parts of the state and elsewhere. The tourists also used to pay a visit to Sadyojata park, better known as Anekere Park.

The Anekere tank is spread over 25 acres and it belongs to the period of Bharatvarasa rule. There is a Basadi in the middle. The park next to it has modern facilities. As such, the park used to attract a lot of visitors every day. The park which had become a popular spot now wears a vacant look.

The park had been renovated by the municipality here at an expense of Rs 15 lac by improving garden, track, and construction of compound. With the help of donors, a memorial for the martyrs was built at a cost of Rs 1.5 lac. Then equipment for the children to play, toilet, drinking water facility, exercise equipment and also microphone system were provided.

As a precaution against infection, people are not allowed to enter the park, says the chief officer of the municipality here, Rekha J Shetty. She noted that even the tourists are absent. "The municipality has been maintaining the park. We are considering the practicability of handing over maintenance to private concerns in the coming days," she said.

Municipal councillor Shubada Rao says that the park has got its current attractive appearance on account of a grant from the municipality, coastal development authority and the donors. Noting that the park has lost its sheen without tourists, he said that maintenance here is deficient and there is a need to lay more thrust on maintenance.