Mysuru: A public park in Gayathripuram has come under threat after construction of houses allegedly began inside the park premises, with residents raising objections over the removal of children’s play equipment and the possible felling of trees.
According to a report by Star of Mysore, foundations have already been laid and preparations are underway to construct walls inside the park. Residents have urged the authorities to intervene immediately and prevent further encroachment of the public space.
The controversy has emerged in connection with road-widening plans along the Gayathripuram-Kyathamaranahalli Road, near the Hutta Temple, also known as Bhakta Kumbara Mutt.
Houses allegedly coming up inside public park
The report states that three families have started constructing houses in the public park after portions of their existing houses were marked for demolition as part of the proposed road-widening project.
The families are reportedly linked to the family of the priest of the nearby temple.
According to the report, more than 30 per cent of the front portion of houses belonging to the priest’s family is required to be cleared for road widening. Staff of the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) have reportedly marked the portions that are to be demolished.
With the demolition markings in place, residents allege that construction activity has now shifted towards the adjacent public park.
Foundations for the new structures have already been laid, and residents fear that once the walls are constructed, removing the structures could become more difficult.
Children’s play equipment removed
One of the major concerns raised by residents is the removal of children’s play equipment from the park.
A metal slide and other play equipment were reportedly dismantled to make space for the proposed construction.
Residents have strongly objected to the removal, arguing that the park is meant for public use and provides an important recreational space for children in the locality.
Residents have also alleged that two large trees inside the park have been marked for removal.
They have urged civic authorities to act before further construction takes place and ensure that the park’s existing facilities and greenery are protected.
Dispute over land allotted to Hutta Temple
The land history of the area has also become part of the dispute.
According to maps of the Mysuru Development Authority (MUDA) cited in the report, the then City Improvement Trust Board (CITB) allotted only 30 square yards to Bhakta Kumbara Mutt in 1983.
The temple is locally known as the Hutta Temple because of the anthill associated with the shrine.
The report states that the original allotment was intended for a small house to accommodate the temple priest.
However, over the years, the number of families living on the property reportedly increased.
Residents question documents for additional houses
Residents have alleged that four to five families of the priest’s relatives have constructed houses on the land over the years without valid documents.
The claims have not been independently established, and the issue of ownership and legality would have to be determined by the competent authorities based on official land and property records.
Residents reportedly said that one family has electricity bills relating to its occupation, while other occupants allegedly do not possess documents establishing their claim over the property.
The residents have also raised concerns about the gradual expansion of the occupation.
According to their account, one priest’s family has been residing at the site for generations, while the alleged encroachment began around two decades ago. They claim that the number of families occupying the area has now increased to six or seven.
Road widening adds to the dispute
The issue has emerged against the backdrop of a proposed road-widening project on the Gayathripuram-Kyathamaranahalli Road.
According to the report, NR Assembly constituency MLA Tanveer Sait performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the road-widening work around six months ago.
The planned project requires portions of houses along the road to be cleared, according to the report.
The resulting demolition markings have reportedly created uncertainty for families whose structures are affected.
However, residents argue that the solution cannot involve using an adjacent public park for private residential construction.
They have therefore called for intervention by the civic authorities before the construction progresses further.
Residents seek immediate action
Residents have demanded that authorities inspect the site and establish the legal status of the land where the new foundations have been laid.
They have also sought steps to protect the public park from further construction and ensure that children’s play equipment is restored.
The concerns raised include the removal of recreational facilities, possible loss of trees and the conversion of public open space for residential purposes.
The residents’ objections come at a time when urban parks and public open spaces are increasingly important for neighbourhood recreation and community use.
Authorities face questions over park protection
The situation raises questions about how public parks are monitored and protected from encroachment.
If the land is confirmed as a public park, any unauthorised construction would require action by the relevant civic and planning authorities in accordance with applicable rules.
The dispute also highlights the need to establish the boundaries of the park and adjoining properties using official survey and land records.
At present, the allegations concerning unauthorised occupation, documentation and construction remain matters that require verification by the concerned authorities.
Residents fear permanent loss of public space
With foundations already in place, residents fear that construction could progress rapidly unless authorities intervene.
They have appealed to the Mysuru City Corporation and other concerned departments to inspect the site, verify the land records and prevent further construction if the activity is found to be unauthorised.
The residents have also urged authorities to protect the children’s play area and trees within the park.
The issue has therefore become more than a dispute over individual houses, with residents arguing that the protection of public recreational space should be given priority.
A detailed inspection and verification of official records could establish the ownership and status of the disputed portions and determine whether the ongoing construction complies with the applicable permissions.