Walkers association alleges Cubbon Park land used for coffee shop; Dept. says land belongs to BMRCL

The Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Walkers’ Association has alleged that a parcel of land inside Cubbon Park, adjacent to the Metro station, has been earmarked for the construction of a coffee shop. However, the Karnataka Department of Horticulture has said that the land in question belongs to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

“Despite public assurances, the State government’s push to alienate 5% of park land for public utilities has already resulted in the loss of protected green space. Land inside Cubbon Park, adjacent to the Metro station, is being carved out to set up a commercial coffee shop. Cubbon Park is the first casualty of this regressive Bill,” alleged S. Umesh, president of the walkers’ association.

However, a Horticulture Department official told The Hindu: “We have not allotted any land inside Cubbon Park for construction. The parcel of land the association is referring to belonged to BSNL earlier and was later acquired by the BMRCL for the construction of the metro station and other utilities. Hence, it is for BMRCL officials to decide whether it has been given for any construction.”