How's the jog? Damaged track at Lalbagh repaired

The Horticulture Department has restored the damaged jogging track along the Lalbagh Lake adjacent to the RV Teachers College corner.

This comes as a relief to thousands of walkers and joggers who frequent the botanical gardens inconvenienced for several months now.

The problem was reported by several citizens during Janaspandana — a citizen interaction programme organised by DH and Prajavani in November 2018.

Besides repairing the damaged track, the department directed the contractors to keep the public toilets open as early as 5.30 am for the convenience of hundreds of regulars who flock to the park early in the morning. Speaking to DH, Chandrashekhar M R, deputy director, Lalbagh, said that all measures have been taken to ensure cleanliness in the park.

M Jagadeesh, joint director (parks and public gardens), Horticulture Department, said: "Repair of damaged roads within Lalbagh requires funds to the tune of Rs 3 crore besides administrative approval by the director. As the director who recently took over the charge is busy with the electoral process, we are unable to finalise it. Soon after the polls, a suitable decision will be taken in this regard."

Polls defer vehicle ban

For making Lalbagh a "walkers' paradise" and adding to the list of green initiatives, the department had proposed enforcing a ban on the movement of vehicles inside the park. The plan was given approval in principle by Horticulture Minister M C Managuli and the previous horticulture director. Though the department had set a deadline of a month and a half to implement the proposal, the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls has come in the way.

"It was decided to ban the movement of vehicles one-and-a-half-months ago. But as all officials including our new director Dr M V Venkatesh are busy with the electoral process, we have deferred the decision until the completion of the polls," another senior official told DH.

The department has also replaced the old welcome signage at the West Gate, besides setting up a new ticketing counter. According to the officials, during the Janaspandana event, the visitors urged the department to replace the structures.