Sir,

Brindavan Gardens, as the name suggests, was conceived and executed by Sir Mirza Ismail, who had a highly developed aesthetic sense of flower arrangement. The landscape was designed to create a fairyland of exquisite enjoyment.

The recent proposal by the Karnataka Cabinet to upgrade the gardens at KRS at a cost of Rs. 2,663 crore through a public-private partnership aims to transform Brindavan Gardens into a fantasy park, which deviates from its original concept (Brindavan Gardens at KRS Dam to be upgraded in SOM dated July 27, 2024).

The gardens’ grandeur lies in the simplicity of its arrangement and variety, while the proposed fantasy park elements are a garish departure that detracts from the pure joy the gardens offer.

Visitors from around the world come to enjoy the beauty of the flower arrangements, not to rush through commercial additions like a helipad, a Cauvery promenade, cascades, a laser fountain and other attractions. These additions would rob visitors of the serene experience of leisurely strolling among flower beds and colourful and musical fountains.

What is needed is the maintenance of the existing flower beds to restore the gardens to their original grandeur. If necessary, some exotic flowers could be added.

Attention is drawn to the points made under ‘Black and White’ in Vikram Muthanna’s weekly column, particularly the advice, ‘First fix roads, then build amusement park.’

Roads, footpaths and drainage systems have been badly neglected. Prioritising development is crucial when considering new proposals.

– H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 28.7.2024

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