By CT reporter
MANGALORE : The MCC has set its eyes on the garden near Urwa store –Derebail popularly known as the ‘Radiogudde’ (Radio Pavilion) which has so far been the most favourite spot of everyone right from sport loving kids to middle aged persons and the aged who have been using this place for a quite stroll and for spending a few quite moments in solitude. The MCC plans to construct a tempo stand here has been strongly opposed by the public.
The MCC which plans to construct a shopping complex in the existing tempo stand in Urva store is contemplating providing an alternative facility for the existing tempo stand by using the Radio Pavilion gardens. This has shocked all the residents, especially the aged persons who have been using this garden. The garden which has been in existence since the time of British rule has a history of 75 years and was recognized by the government in 1985. One of the oldest gardens in Mangalore, it occupies an area of 5 acres.
“We fail to understand why this garden is being targeted by MCC. There are still a lot of vacant plots in the city. The proposed tempo stand could as well have been constructed in one such plots,†said a senior citizen Ganesh Bhat who has been a regular visitor to this garden.
The proposed construction of a tempo stand in this garden will act as an irritant to the users of this garden, Fredrick D’Souza, President of the Garden Development Forum, opined. He has also taken strong objection to the recent actions of the MCC which had already started digging the earth here and there in the garden with the help of JCB machines.
The lovers of this garden allege that this spot has been constantly misused. Earlier there was a proposal to construct an Ambedkar Bhavan here. But in its place a small shrine was constructed. Next Devaraj Urs auditorium came up on another side of the garden. Even though it is more than a year since this auditorium was constructed, it had never been used during the last one year. The fact that the place is literally littered with plastic bags, paper pieces in addition to the growth of tall grass and weeds gives one an idea about the lack of any attention given by the MCC towards its maintenance.
The employees bored and stressed by their routine; the elderly men and women seeking some restful moments regularly visit this garden and enjoy the pleasures offered by this tranquil place. The children who accompany the elders spend their time in this place by playing their favourite games. If the proposed construction is being implemented in this place, it is certain to rob all the users of the pleasures they have derived from this peaceful environs for the last so many decades. Their anxieties are understandable: apart from losing this quite and tranquil spot, they will have to live under the constant shrill of horns, stink and smoke that will banish all melodious chirpings by various birds which have taken shelter in the trees of this garden.
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