Lok Satta and Walkers join hands to save Botanical Gardens

Issues related to the park and efforts by the political parties to divert the tourist hub were discussed at the meet

In an effort to save the 270-acre Botanical Gardens, the Botanical Garden’s Walkers’ Association teamed up with the Lok Satta Party to ensure that the park is not converted into an eco-tourism hub. To ensure that this motion gathered much required steam, the association held a meeting on Saturday with Velaga Srinivas, a volunteer from Lok Satta. During the meeting, issues related to the park and the constant efforts of various political parties to divert the tourism hub, were discussed. Speaking at the meeting V Srinivas said, “It is questionable as to why the government wants to convert this serene location into a commercial complex. I have seen the efforts of various people in trying to restore this park to its former glory.

A letter was also written by Jayaprakash Narayan to Jayanthi Natarajan, former MoS, Environment, about the park. We will protect the park at the cost of our lives.” But on the other hand, the association members felt that this would be a topic for the party to gain political mileage. One of them who did not wish to be named said, “We have seen many different parties try. If this does not work, we will take things into our own hands. We have planned out some events to create awareness about this issue.

” The Lok Satta Party volunteers also agreed that creating awareness is the best way to tackle this issue. “We will create online groups and hand-out pamphlets at schools and colleges so that people know what the situation is. We will make sure that two members from our party will be dedicated for this cause.”