Curzon Park Block 2 looks ugly

In the name of beautification, the Mysore City Corporation is spoiling the look of Curzon Park Block 2 on Albert Victor Road, between Chamaraja Circle and Hardinge Circle near Mysore Palace. In blatant violation of the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, a huge concrete enclosure and platform (for so-called cultural programmes) is being constructed, and huge ugly white concrete stone slabs are being placed without leaving even 6 ft of breathing space around each tree.As per the KGPP Act, 1975, no construction other than a watchman's quarters can come up inside the park.
It seems like MCC's horticulture department is itself allowing all these violations. Almost all the Ashoka trees here are likely to die due to lack of breathing space and water.
Fortunately, Curzon Park Block 1 (between Sri Harsha Road and Albert Victor Road) seems to have been developed a couple of years ago without the violation of any laws and without ugly white slabs too.
Syed Tanveeruddin, Siddharthanagar
Mysore fails its clean tag
Every Mysorean is bound to feel proud of Heritage City for the recent accreditation conferred on it as the second cleanest city in India. On the contrary, responsible citizens are well aware of the fact that in the present context, Mysore does not live up to this tag. It is also true that the city has the scope and infrastructure to be reformed into a planned city.
Apart from garbage nuisance, bad roads, unattended parks, blocked drains, parthenium menace, debris heaps, what about the upkeep and sanitary conditions at important tourist spots? Public places like the railway and bus stations are horrifying for tourists.
The tag has come as a boon in disguise to Mysore, which is fast developing as a Tier II city. It is high time the departments concerned wake up, raise the bar and live up to the tag.
Shantha Vijay, Vijayanagar
Mobile stalls block traffic
In Udayagiri, mobile eateries clog Mahadevapura main road, causing problems for pedestrians and motorists. Though it is a double road, passing by the stretch is difficult during evenings, as there are too many eateries and their customers occupy the footpaths. This is not a call for a ban on these stalls; people seem to relish the fare here, but it should not be at the cost of blocking the road. Accidents could result if the road is so crowded. The authorities should look into this matter.
A resident, Udayagiri
No streetlights
In Brindavan Extension opposite Mahaveer School, the absence of streetlights has been posing problems for residents and passersby. Also, garbage removal is very irregular. It is unfortunate that garbage collectors fail to visit our locality regularly. The authorities should look into both these problems.
Mrs Srivastav
No exit for rainwater
With the monsoon having commenced, most of the main roads in the city are covered with stagnant rainwater. There are no proper channels for rain water, particularly in low-lying areas like Gandhi Square, Suburban bus stand and surrounding areas. Two-wheeler riders and pedestrians find it difficult to pass through these areas. Manholes also overflow, causing unbearable misery. Officials should gear up before things worsen.
Syed Abdulla Munawar
Udayagiri
Packed road: New Kantharaj Urs Road has been choking with heavy traffic. Traffic is especially heavy at the intersection of the road with Panchamantra Road. There are too many autorickshaws in the vicinity, a public tap and also a big crater. There are no road dividers and the area is also a busy commercial hub. There are two bus stops here, one at the entry point of Panchamantra Road where there is no proper indication or no bus shelter. There is literally no place for commuters to stand. There is another bus stop opposite, and this too is overcrowded with vendors, shops and an uneven footpath. Neither the civic administration nor the ward corporator have solved this problems. Our mayor should visit the place once and see it for himself.
D Prasad, Kuvempunagar
Cycle tracks for Mysore
Recently, transport commissioner Bhaskar Rao expressed his keenness on introducing cycle tracks on selected roads in Mysore. However, MCC joint director and town planner Shashi Kumar came up with various reasons why this is not viable. Another senior officer from Mysore City Corporation went on a different track altogether, blaming environmentalists who stop them from cutting down trees for road widening.
There were around 170 deaths in 2008 in a compact city like Mysore, with a vehicle population of over 5 lakh, which is an alarming trend. Both official circles and experts feel opinion is veering round to the necessity of segregating traffic and providing separate tracks for cycles. Bhaskar Rao suggests that cyclists who know the roads best must come up with a plan to include non-motorised transport into the city circuit. Needles to say, cycling benefits enormously in many ways and helps improve the quality of life, the tragedy is that roads are widened only to serve as parking for vehicles and no thought has been given for planning dedicated parking places. While all other cities are crumbling under the impact of urbanisation, Mysore can still be saved.
H R Bapu Satyanarayana
Convener, MGP
Are the streetlights in your lane working? Is the road on your way to office littered with potholes? Has garbage piled up in your neighbourhood? If you have any grievances about lack of civic amenities and functioning, here is
the right platform for you. Write in with full name and address to: 'This Won't Do', The Times of India, 155, Ramavilas Road, Mysore, 570024. Ph: 2422011. Email: toimys@indiatimes.com