BANGALORE: There is no dearth for residents’ welfare associations in Bangalore. There are a few areas in the city where more than one association exist to look after the residents’ welfare. How many of them exist only on paper and how many are really working for the welfare of residents is debatable.However, here is an association that has the necessary qualities to become a role model for all residents’ welfare associations. It is the JRD Tata Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, which firmly believes that mere complaining about the lack of basic amenities will not suffice, but that they also need to join hands with the authorities concerned to effect a change. The executive committee members of this association have proved that constant follow up and maintaining a good rapport will make wonders.For example, a 1000x800 sqft civic amenities site at JRD Tata Nagar was filled with parthenium weeds a few years ago. The association then decided to develop it into a park but had no funds. “We are very grateful to the then Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) Commissioner Siddiah. He listened to our woes and directed his subordinates to do the needful,’’ recalls Narayan M G, secretary, JRD Tata Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association.With the active support from the BDA authorities, the vacant site was soon transformed into a beautiful park. “We have named it after Padmavibhushan Dr Satish Dhawan. Prof P Balaram, Director, Indian Institute of Science, inaugurated the park on February 10, 2008,’’ says Narayan.The BDA made all requisite provisions here to cater to the needs of senior citizens as well as visitors. There is an elevated platform, built like a gazebo, where the elderly can spend some time in the evening or the morning and chat. The area is also used by some people to practice laughter therapy to remain healthy.There is a provision to play instrumental music on the park premises, not the live variety, but on an electronic player. On special occasions, Sanskrit slokas are also played. “The contractor, who developed the park, donated a VCD player to play music every day,’’ says Narayan.What is the secret of their success in convincing civic agencies to be proactive? ‘’We did nothing except pursuing the matter on a regular basis. We met the commissioner twice but most of our communication was through e-mails,’’ he says.Currently, the association has appointed a watchman to prevent any miscreants from entering the park at odd hours. The park is open from 5 am to 10 am and between 4 pm and 8.30 pm.Everyday, around 600 people from areas such as Bhadrappa Layout, J V Nagar, Kodigehalli, Sahakara Nagar and P and T Colony visit this park, a product of their perseverance.
Comments
0 comment