Karaga Kunte Neglected at Cubbon Park
- Team Heritage Beku
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
We do need to do something about it soon. We hope Dept of Horticulture takes this up asap. The article by Y Maheshwar Reddy In Bangalore Mirror 11 Feb.
Kargada Kunte is historically important spot in Cubbon Park, but just 4 years after it was developed by BSCL, it lies in ruins today
The pathetic condition of the Kargada Kunte, a historic pond in Cubbon Park, reveals that the authorities do not care about the quality of developmental works. The Bengaluru Smart City Limited (BSCL) had taken up development of Karagada Kunte in 2021. The historical pond was also developed by the Department of Horticulture and Public Works Department in 2012.
Many people who visit Cubbon Park said the pond now looks like an abandoned waterbody in a remote rural area. Granite steps on the western side of the lake are in dilapidated condition and most of them have collapsed.
Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association president S Umesh blamed the horticulture departmentofficials for this situation. “They just make money but are not bothered about Cubbon Park. I have already complained to them about the pathetic condition of Karagada Kunte. I demand the authorities reconstruct the marble steps without any delay,” Umesh said.
Suresh Jayaram, an author of Bangalore’s Lalbagh: A Chronicle of the Garden and the City, suggested that the authorities implement sustainable measures to ensure there is water in the pond.
“Karagada Kunte is a historical place. Author-ities must take suitable measures to retain and save this historical place,” said Jayaram. Urban strategist Vinod Jacob said that heritage buildings and gazebos constructed by the British remain fully operational at the park today, a stark reminder of our current lack of due diligence in quality control and vendor selection. “For public works in a heritage park, we must prioritise top quality materials and workmanship,” he said.
Priya-Chetty Rajagopal from Heritage Beku said that Karagada Kunte has historical significance. “The horticulture department officials must look into the matter and fix the problems,” she said.
Another shocking sight is the unutilised concrete benches installed near the Karagada Kunte. A locked gate prevents visitors from using the benches that were installed by BSCL. Horticulture Department Deputy Director (Cubbon Park) Kusuma said Karagada Kunte assured BM of prompt action. “I will take measures to reconstruct the marble steps of Karagada Kunte. All the problems will be fixed in a month,” said the Deputy Director. The Thigala community has been celebrating the Karaga festival along the Karagada Kunte in Cubbon Park in April every year. During the festival, the pond is illuminated with colourful lamps.
Will the authorities concerned fix the problem much before the Karaga festival? We wait and watch.
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