The Cubbon Park Walkers' Association (CPWA) in Bengaluru has been issued a police notice for its opposition to the Pinkathon-2026 women's run, scheduled for Sunday. The association, while supporting the cause behind the marathon, has raised strong objections against using the park for commercial purposes without contributing to its conservation efforts.
Police Notice and Legal Threats
S Umesh, president of the CPWA, confirmed receiving the notice from Bengaluru police. "It stated that if any of us obstruct the race, we could face legal action. I am really surprised why the police are supporting this commercial activity," he said. The notice has sparked concerns among walkers and environmental advocates who view Cubbon Park as a protected green zone.
Unfulfilled Promises from Past Events
Umesh highlighted that after a previous edition of the Pinkathon, ambassador Milind Soman had pledged to contribute to the park's conservation, but this promise remains unfulfilled. "They assured sponsorship for park infrastructure, like benches, but were unresponsive after the event," he added. The association argues that while many organizations using the park contribute to its upkeep, the Pinkathon has not followed suit.
Broader Concerns Over Commercialization
The CPWA has requested that the Pinkathon route be kept away from the park and called for a ban on large-scale commercial events within its boundaries. Umesh noted, "We intend to observe the aftermath of the marathon to assess waste and damage. If significant harm occurs, we will take the legal route." He also referenced last year's RCB parade, which caused damage to the park's greenery and fencing.
History of Unauthorized Events
This incident is not isolated; Cubbon Park has faced multiple attempts at commercialization. In May 2024, a circular was issued to protect the space, limiting unauthorized gatherings to 20 people and restricting activities to a designated zone. Despite this, events like a Secret Santa gathering in December 2024 and a 'blind date' event in August last year were organized without permissions, leading to public complaints and crackdowns by authorities.
The association emphasizes that parks should be treated as environmental sanctuaries, not commercial venues. With the Pinkathon 2026 approaching, the CPWA's stance highlights ongoing tensions between conservation efforts and event-driven urbanization in Bengaluru's green spaces.
