Members of the Kadri Park Development Committee (KPDC) in Mangaluru have formally raised serious concerns regarding the deteriorating condition and alleged maintenance failures at the city's prominent Kadri Park. The committee has submitted a detailed written complaint to the Dakshina Kannada district administration, urging immediate corrective action for this vital public lung space.
Detailed List of Grievances and Lapses
In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV, who also chairs the committee, members B Jagannath Gambhir, Rama Mugerodi, and GK Bhat outlined a series of critical issues. They pointed out that newly planted saplings within the park frequently go missing, severely hampering greening efforts. The children's play area is in a sorry state, with many structures rendered non-functional and unsafe for use.
A major concern is the neglect of Ganganapalla, the lake inside the park that was redeveloped by the Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (Muda) just three years ago. No arrangements have been made to fill the lake with water, leaving it dry and defeating the purpose of its renovation. The park's garden also lacks suitable flowering plants, making the entire space visually unappealing.
Further, a fountain recently repaired by Muda remains defunct due to a lack of follow-up maintenance. Bhat also highlighted that a special park meant for children with special needs is similarly neglected. He emphasized the urgent need for proper maintenance of streetlights within the park to ensure visitor safety after dark.
Administrative Oversights and Financial Concerns
The committee members alleged that key decisions related to Kadri Park are being taken without convening mandatory KPDC meetings, bypassing the oversight body. They also flagged financial irregularities, noting that the park procures flowers and fruits for exhibitions by paying exorbitant prices from external vendors, suggesting a possible misuse of funds.
This issue is not isolated to Kadri Park. The problem of maintaining public parks and lakes across Mangaluru was recently discussed at a pre-budget consultation meeting at the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). DC Darshan HV, who also serves as the MCC's administrative officer, acknowledged the widespread challenge.
Official Response and Proposed Systemic Fix
Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV responded to the concerns by stating that instructions will be issued to ensure all future contract agreements for public amenities compulsorily include a maintenance clause spanning three to five years. He explained that while several lakes and parks have been developed, the MCC lacks sufficient funds for their ongoing upkeep.
"Muda, Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL), or any other department should include the maintenance clause in the tender process itself," the DC asserted. He assured that specific initiatives will be undertaken to address the pressing issues plaguing Kadri Park, aiming for a sustainable solution to the maintenance deadlock.
