A Plea from Mother Cubbon Park

To all who find refuge in my shade, who have seen your children grow under my canopy, I speak to you now, from the heart of the city, where I stand as a testament to nature's enduring spirit.

For years, I have been your green emerald, a sanctuary amidst the urban sprawl, A place where you come to recharge, revive, and rejuvenate. In a world of increasing city pressures and pollution, I have remained your haven of hope and solace, Welcoming you on weekends to relax under my green bounty.

Yet, despite all I have given, despite all I have protected and nurtured, I am under constant attack by those I aim to protect. From 300 acres, I have been eroded to a mere 197 acres, Piece by piece, my green expanse chipped away by those who seek to "improve" me.

The Lawn Tennis Association, High Court Annexe , High Court cement parking, the Press Club, the Government Services Club, and many others,

All have taken from me, leaving me smaller and smaller. They try to pretty me up, to make me more palatable, But in doing so, they strip away my natural beauty, my habitat for trees, insects, birds, and biodiversity.

If not a parking area, then forced development under Smart City. If not a seven-story building, then a ten-story one. If not an outdoor jogging trail, then granite pavements for people to slip on. If not sharp-pointed fences to lock me in, then wireless towers for better connectivity.

When will it ever end?

Now, there's a new effort to carve into me at Kasturba Road, To create touchpoints, amphitheaters, activity spaces. For what, I ask? Aren't my natural contours, my boulders, my trees, my fragrant trilling canopy of green sunlight, the leaves on the grass, and the call of the birds sufficient magic to draw you in?

Why must commercial activity, disguised as "improvement," encroach on my sacred spaces?

Please, stop this assault on a simple space that has served the city so well. Let me do what i have done for centuries - take care of you. Let me remain whole, organic, nostalgic, historic, relevant and real. Look after me, maintain me, conserve me, clean me up, and protect me. But if you have any value for how I have loved, nurtured, and protected you over the years…

Please, I beg you, stop assaulting me.

Yours faithfully,

Mother Cubbon Park

Dont demolish 133 year old Seshadripuram Police Station

Pic Courtesy : The Hindu

24 Feb 2024

Chief Secretary of Karnataka,

Vidhana Soudha

Bangalore 560001

Email:

Dear Dr Rajneesh:

Subject: Cease proppsed demolition of the 133-year-old Seshadripuram police station

I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed demolition of the 133-year-old Seshadripuram police station in Bangalore. This historic building, one of the oldest police stations in the city, holds significant cultural and historical value, and its destruction would be a loss not only for the community but also for the city's heritage.

The police commissioner's statement that the building does not enjoy 'Heritage status' and therefore can be demolished is alarming. This perspective ignores the fact that many buildings in Bangalore, including government ones, lack formal heritage designation but are still invaluable to the city's history and identity .

There are many examples including the famed Janatha Bazar/Asiatic Building to be replaced by a mall, which we managed to save in time .,

The demolition of the Seshadripuram police station would be another blow to Bangalore's rapidly eroding heritage. We have already lost several historic police stations, including the one at High Grounds. If this trend continues, we risk losing more iconic buildings, such as the Carlton House, to the relentless march of urban development. It is not just the police but many govt departments who occupy heritage spaces across the city that need to be addressed.

I urge the government to intervene in this matter and ensure that the overdue heritage conservation committee is expedited to notify all such spaces, and advise on decisions regarding heritage spaces. It is essential to bring all concerned departments together to discuss alternatives to demolition and to prioritize the preservation of Bangalore's cultural heritage.

The Seshadripuram police station's demolition would not only erase a piece of history but also contribute to the homogenization of the city's landscape. Therefore on an immediate basis , I request that the government consider the long-term implications of this decision and take immediate action to protect this historic building. Thank you in advance for your kind attention and action.

Sincerely,

Priya Chetty-Rajagopal

#HeritageBeku

The Seshadripuram Police Station building, which is 133 years old, is being demolished to make way for a new building, triggering a debate not only over conservation of heritage buildings in the city, but also the criteria for designating any building as a ‘heritage’ one.

Links

1. The Hindu : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/historic-seshadripuram-police-station-to-be-razed-but-is-it-a-heritage-building/article69254627.ece

2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/bengalurus-133-year-old-seshadripuram-police-station-building-faces-the-axe/amp_articleshow/118487175.cms

3. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/historic-seshadripuram-police-station-to-be-razed-but-is-it-a-heritage-building/article69254627.ece/amp/

4. https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/crime/brand-new-police-stations-and-one-heritage-building/amp_articleshow/117033092.cms

5. https://x.com/heritagebeku/status/1897632604699894037?s=46&t=nTff7pmuuJSuQ9iQ5gNZ0w

Brand Bengaluru and Cubbon Park

Why is Cubbon Park under fire when Brand Bengaluru site says THIS:

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Brand Bengaluru envisions a city where pedestrian-friendly roads take center stage, prioritizing the safety and convenience of its residents. Well-planned sidewalks, dedicated cycling lanes, and green spaces encourage active transportation and promote healthier lifestyles. Efficient transportation systems and smart traffic management ensure a faster and seamless commute, reducing congestion and travel times. Integrated public transportation networks, including buses and metro lines, provide convenient and accessible options for all residents.

Through effective urban planning and robust stormwater management, Bengaluru aims to eliminate flooding, safeguarding lives and properties. Sustainable drainage systems and water management practices ensure a flood-free environment even during heavy rainfall.

Brand Bengaluru is committed to creating a child-friendly city, with parks, playgrounds, and educational spaces designed to nurture the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children. Safe and inclusive environments encourage learning, exploration, and social interaction. As the thriving hub of Information Technology, Bengaluru continues to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements. It provides a fertile ground for startups to flourish, attracting global talent and investment to fuel the growth of the IT sector. The city's strong job market offers diverse employment opportunities across sectors, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive economy. Bengaluru promotes skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship, empowering individuals and fostering economic growth. Bengaluru envisions itself as a global leader, attracting international collaborations and investments.

It embraces cultural diversity, promoting cross-cultural exchange and fostering a global outlook, positioning itself as a cosmopolitan city on the world stage. With a focus on fostering startups and promoting innovation, Bengaluru encourages a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship. Incubators, accelerators, and supportive policies create an ecosystem that nurtures and supports innovative ideas and their transformation into successful businesses. Inclusiveness is a core value of Brand Bengaluru.

The city embraces diversity, ensuring equal opportunities and accessibility for all residents. Inclusive policies, barrier-free infrastructure, and social initiatives create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the city's growth. Bengaluru aspires to be a beacon of innovation and progress, where startups, technology, and inclusive growth go hand in hand. It strives to create an ecosystem that fosters collaboration, empowers individuals, and drives positive change for the betterment of its residents and the world.