Mysuru: Strongly opposing the Government’s move to construct public Library building in People’s Park, Nazarbad, the Mysuru Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has warned of waging a legal battle if the Government went ahead with its move.

Addressing a press meet at Patrakarthara Bhavan here this morning, MGP Founder-President Bhamy Shenoy said that the Government’s move was a clear violation of Karnataka Parks, Playgrounds and Open Spaces (Conservation and Regulation) Act, 1985.

Noting that the Government’s plans on construction of the Library building was all the more shocking as it is very much aware of the violation of the Act, Bhamy Shenoy said that it was wrong to say that 5 percent area of a Park can be utilised for public use such as Library building. The fact is that only a watchman’s tower not exceeding 30 sq.mts (323 sq.ft. area) in area can be built and that too if the Park area exceeded 2 hectares, he said while quoting a city Court verdict ordering partial demolition of a building constructed in Cheluvamba Park, Vontikoppal (MGP petition-OS.No. 29/1995). Pointing out that the Government has the responsibility of upholding the laws made by our law makers, he wondered why the Government was hell-bent on constructing the Library building in People’s Park, when there was many other sites available in the city.

Asserting that there was widespread opposition to the Government’s move, he said that the Government’s move was against democratic principles. The MGP would meet MLA Vasu and express its opposition, he added.

He reiterated that the MGP would move the Court if the Government went ahead with its plans of constructing the Library in People’s Park itself.

Bhamy Shenoy further said that the MGP would soon launch a massive tree-planting drive in the city. The MGP would plant saplings at Manasagangothri, Kukkarahalli Lake precincts and in the premises of several organisations, which have agreed to be part of the initiative, he added.

MGP Executive Committee Member Ko.Su. Narasimha Murthy presented Rs. 25,000 to MGP President S.D. Sahukar towards the tree-planting drive on the occasion. MGP Working President Shobha, office-bearers Venkatesh and Bhanu Mohan were present during the press meet.