This footpath near Jayanagar 1st block, 3rd cross is facing an
unlikely ‘green’ issue from a certain residents. Malathi Vaidyanath, who
resides around the area, is really unhappy to see a garden path which
is meant for walkers. According to her, it is eating into the footpath.

The
PTA Nursery and Primary School and the house just opposite to the
school have planted a line of trees and plants more or less decorating
the footpath with greenery. Though there are a few who object, for
autorickshaw driver, Raja, this is not causing any hindrance to
pedestrians. Raja said. “Why will the garden on the side of the road
cause a problem? I park my auto nearby every day in this area since I
reside here. But I don’t see anybody having problems with the garden. It
contributes to the greenery.”

Naveen Naik, who picks up his
grandson from the school, Poornaprajna Vidyaniketana, states, “We don’t
have problems in them planting trees, but they should not consider this
space as part of their property. When they do, is when the problem
arises. If you see, only a small lane is left for pedestrians as most of
the area is encroached for gardening purpose.”

But this is not
the same case in the opposite lane of this area. The road which is wide
has less footpath as people use it for dumping garbage, to park their
vehicles or cows use it to take rest.

When corporator Gangambike
Mallikarjun was contacted, she said, “I don’t see any problem for
pedestrians. I have visited the area and I am very much aware of the
garden in front of the school. They have just done it to beautify the
road. I am not against this gardening if it is without upsetting the
pedestrians. I feel that people of this area have taken the initiative,
which could not be maintained by us,” said Mallikarjun, who is also
taking strict action against people who are dumping garbage in and
around the residential area.  “I along with the police and a few people
are planning to install a CCTV camera in 1st and 2nd block of Jayanagar
to keep a check on garbage dumpers and other unwarranted issues. We are
just waiting for the elections. Probably by 1st week of June, the
cameras will be installed,” she said.