Palike to put an end to public use of parks

BANGALORE: Taking a walk in the the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) parks might not be a stinking task anymore as the Palike plans to stop people’s “public use” of parks. The Palike will soon build toilets in all the BBMP parks in city. More than 1,050 parks developed by Palike do not have toilets. Standing Committee Chairman of Horticulture, Anjanappa, said that the committee has proposed to build toilets in nearly 80 per cent of the parks. The Palike plans to start with popular parks. Anjanappa said that these toilets will be pay and use. “There are many senior citizens, diabetic patients, who use parks. When they want to use restrooms they walk back to houses or nearby public toilets. The Committee has now decided to build public toilets inside park premises,” he said. Standing Comittee for Horticulture will soon ask councillors from all the 198 wards to submit details of the parks and public toilets required.“The project is in preliminary stage.We are still discussing on whether to float tenders for private party to take up the project or should Palike take the initiative. However, maintenance of these parks will be given to a private party,” Anjanappa said.A senior official from the BBMP said, “Though the Palike is keen on developing parks, they did not take up the project.People often use open area as loos, creating problems to the surrounding residents.” Explaining the problems faced by residents, he added,“Residents of many areas complained against the stench in their area. Palike has finally taken action in this regard.”