Minister rules out extending park timings in Bengaluru ahead of summer

Bengaluru: Transport minister and BTM Layout MLA Ramalinga Reddy ruled out opening parks to the public throughout the day, saying any such move would spoil the green spaces.Reddy inspected eight parks in his constituency on Monday, where horticultural work was recently completed. A total of 11 parks underwent a horticultural revamp, with saplings planted after the completion of civil works.
Responding to TOI's query on opening parks throughout the day ahead of summer, Reddy said it was impractical. "If parks are to be maintained well, the restricted timings have to continue. In my experience, it is not practical for parks to be left open throughout the day," he said.He added that couples and drug addicts would occupy parks if they were kept open beyond 11am. "If this happens, families will not be able to visit parks. The number of people going there will decrease," he claimed.TOI recently reported an ongoing campaign by activists requesting that parks be opened from 5am to 10pm, as they are needed as spaces for gig workers, professionals, and street vendors to rest and relax.However, Reddy said eating in them makes parks dirty and full of litter. "This will turn away regular visitors. We have designed spaces for activities like yoga. Other activities will ruin this," he said.