Cubbon Park ponds to be cleaned up

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Bengaluru: The department of horticulture has embarked on a drive to clean up the ponds at Cubbon Park. It has engaged workers to remove algae and duckweed from the ponds.

“We have engaged eight people to remove algae from the water pond near sewage treatment plant in Cubbon Park. We are continuously monitoring the water ponds in Cubbon Park and engaging workers to remove algae whenever it is warranted,’’ said Deputy Director of Horticulture (Cubbon Park) Balakrishna.

There are three ponds in Cubbon Park and Karagada Kunte is one of them. It is custom to use water from Karagada Kunte for rituals during Karaga festival. “Water of Karagada Kunte used to be clean. Now, it is nauseating to see the condition of this water body. I want the authorities concerned to take measures to keep this pond clean,’’ said a visitor.

Meanwhile, Ramprasad, Co-Founder of Friends of Lakes has emphasized the need of keeping the ponds free from duckweed and algae. “The presence of too much algae will ruin the condition of the water pond. There will be no oxygen in the pond if there is too much algae,” said Ramprasad.

The duckweed and algae removed from Karagada Kunte were seen dumped along the compound wall inside Cubbon Park. “I want the authorities not to allow algae and duckweed to be used directly. It has to be converted into manure before using it for plants and trees in Cubbon Park,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy director (Cubbon Park) has said that most of the developmental works are being done by Bengaluru Smart City Limited. “We are not taking up any developmental works due to shortage of funds,’’ he said.

When asked whether the horticulture department has any plan to introduce the facility for the visitors to listen soothing music, the deputy director has said the department used to organize music programmes at the bandstand and it will be revived soon. “As of now, we have no plan to put up portable speakers at various locations in the park,’’ he said.