Residents of Thathappa Layout demand fencing of neglected park space

Sir,

The abject neglect of space earmarked for a park and the adjoining civic amenities (CA) site in Thathappa Layout, Udayagiri, by Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has become a source of concern for residents of the locality.

The park and the adjoining CA site that initially turned into a dumping ground for silt removed from clogged drains and construction debris from the nearby localities had now turned into an open garbage dump and a den of anti-social activities with youths from different parts using the area for consumption of drugs and other addictive substances. Taking advantage of the space are also transporters, who park their vehicles in the area (see pic).

Residents of the locality have to time and again complain to MCC authorities for removal of garbage. Now, the dumping of medical waste in the abandoned park and CA site in addition to household garbage has emerged as a serious health concern (see pic). Thathappa Layout is a privately developed residential area under a plan sanctioned by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). However, the Layout was transferred to MCC about five years ago and the residents of the locality have been paying their property tax to the MCC.

Residents of Thathappa Layout in Udayagiri have urged the MCC to immediately take necessary steps to erect an iron fence around the space earmarked for the park and the CA site to prevent its misuse. After erecting a fence, steps should be immediately taken to develop the park for the benefit of the residents.

Only when the area is secured and developed into a park by the MCC can the tax-payers of the locality be relieved of the nuisance of garbage dumping and substance abuse in their neighbourhood.

– Zaheer Ul Haq, Convenor, Thathappa Layout Residents’ Welfare Association, Udayagiri, 8.1.2024