16 April,2009 11:01 AM IST | | Chetan R
Walkers formed a human chain to say they don't want to lose a part of their beloved park to the metro. They are even willing to take the battle to court
Around 200 of Lalbagh's varied walkers joined hands yesterday to form a human chain and protest against the proposed Metro station. The next stage of the protest will be in court, they said.
"The state government itself is an encroacher," alleged Captain Gopinath, an independent candidate contesting the elections. "Lalbagh is a heritage space and it's our culture. We don't want the Metro at their cost. We welcome developmental work but with an alternative," he said.
His thoughts were echoed by fashion guru Prasad Bidappa: "The government should look for an alternative rather than cutting trees in Lalbagh."u00a0u00a0u00a0
Walkers assembled beside the site demarcated for the proposed Metro station, measuring 20 feet by 350 feet. They held posters and raised slogans in protest.
"We condemn the work," said Subhash Devare, a consultant and regular walker. "If every historic place vanishes like this, our next generation will end up with nothing in Bangalore. They are ruining Bangalore and we will continue to protest till they stop destroying the treasure."u00a0
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To court
The walkers have decided to intensify the protest in stages. There will be a larger protest on Friday evening. And they will also file a petition on Thursday.
"A heritage place can't be acquired for developmental work. Trees in Lalbagh also have heritage value. So, walkers will challenge the Metro work in the High Court," said Pramila Nesargi, advocate and former MLA.u00a0
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What's wrong?
Meanwhile, Lalbagh's chief patron, M R Doreswamy, had a different take. "The land in question is very small and has been taken, keeping in mind the larger interest. This will not, in any way, destroy Lalbagh of which we too are concerned. I endorse the state government's move," said Doreswamy.
However, his endorsement was dismissed since he was nominated by the BJP to the legislative council.
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