Website Impact! A Few Benches Installed at the Rs 70 Lakhs Mallikatta Park Opening on 14 Jan
Mangaluru: Talk about the power of media, especially Electronic media where we highlight civic issues and within a few hours or few days the concerned authorities who can’t bear the criticism about their negligence, quickly get into action and rectify the civic issues. In the past Mangalorean.com has highlighted various civic issues through our website, and there has been a tremendous effect with most of the problems being fixed in no time, from rectifying dilapidated roads, open drainage, non-friendly footpaths, dog menace etc.
Following the report (The Rs 70 Lakhs ‘ Mallikatta Park’ Lacks Proper Seating Facilities, Especially for Seniors!) published on Mangalorean.com, has received a positive response quickly with Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) installing a few benches for the convenience of the walkers/joggers and others using the Kadri-Mallikatta Park. As they say “Something Better Than Nothing”, presently 4-5 benches have been installed, following the report by Team Mangalorean. Rumours are that more benches will be installed soon. And it is good news since the park will be inaugurated on Sunday, 14 January.
BEFORE…..
Once a dilapidated park where alcoholics and drug addicts were loitering or spending their nights and other illegal activities taking place the Kdri- Mallikatta Park with a library located in the vicinity, was later under numerous complaints was renovated with surrounding fencing, pathways, area cleaned, all under the first expenses which were allotted to this project, which was around Rs 13 lakhs. Even though such an amount was spent, the park did not function well, and the work was half left for months, until an extra funding of Rs 60 lakhs or so was sanctioned, and a project foundation ceremony was held with Netas cutting the ribbon, including our beloved MLA who love to pose for photo shoots.
The work began and the park is in the final stages of opening soon, but the planning has been done unscientifically and to the required standards needed in a park for the benefit of the walkers, joggers and those who want to spend some leisure time in a green environment. When you enter the park, a few days ago you would have seen more concrete structures than what is really needed in a park. There are two concrete canopies, in which they have planned to install the statue of renowned saxophonist late Kadri Gopalnath, and under the next canopy, there are four benches, which can accommodate only 8-10 people. Imagine a p[park having only four seating/benches facilities, when hundreds of people may use the park.
AFTER BENCHES INSTALLED…
Yes, a bench/or small table is an essential need in a park, since Park Benches are a Stealth Motivator for Physical Activity. Park benches are an important amenity for any public park. They provide a place for people to rest, relax, and socialize. They also encourage people to spend more time outdoors, which can have a number of benefits for physical and mental health. It should be noted that Park benches, picnic tables, and other seating options can help to improve physical health in a number of ways. First, they provide a place for people to rest and recover during physical activity. This is especially important for people with limited mobility, who may not be able to walk or run for long periods of time.
After Team Mangalorean had highlighted the lack of seating facilities at the Park, the concerned authorities took action to install four benches, which would surely serve the purpose, especially for the seniors to sit and relax after a walk or jog. Earlier instead of benches, the park was decorated with an artificial green lawn, a sliding water fountain, and a few other things which are of less use to the park users. Imagine a group of senior citizens who plan to take a walk or jog in this upcoming park, and want to relax on a bench/seat, they will be out of luck, other than 8-10 people who could manage to accommodate themselves on the ONLY four benches or they will have to sit on each other’s laps. Just like these seniors carry their own mats when they go for yoga exercises, they will have to carry their own folding chairs, if they decide to use the Mallikatta Park.
Instead of having the necessary facilities, including benches, the architect/builder has wasted the needed space for concrete structures- which is totally unplanned. However, the action taken now by installing at least a few benches will serve the purpose and would make, especially the seniors happy.