Cubbon Park walkers approach Lokayukta

The Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association has filed a complaint with the Lokayukta alleging that Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and State Youth Centre (Yavanika) were putting up permanent structures in the park, in violation of the Karnataka Parks, Play Fields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act. 

According to the association, though both the institutions are on Nrupathunga Road, they fall within the Cubbon Park, as per a government circular. 

It has claimed there were more than five illegal structures inside the Cubbon Park premises such as Century Club, Public Works Department (PWD) office, YMCA, etc. Association president Umesh said that the Palike commissioner had not acted on their complaint to take action against the two institutions.

Horticulture department deputy director Mahantesh Murugod told Deccan Herald the department had issued five notices to YMCA and Yavanika. 

“While YMCA has replied that the land and the building belonged to them, Yavanika is yet to reply to the notices. This apart, YMCA is yet to furnish the documents supporting its claims.

There were two circulars, one in 1983 and another in 1988, setting the boundaries of Cubbon Park all along Nrupathunga Road,” he said. Palike commissioner was unavailable for comment.