The contention related to the controversial Karnataka Urban Authorities Bill that seeks to reduce public space to be earmarked in residential layouts for parks and playgrounds has now reached the Raj Bhavan.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar has written to Governor Vajubhai Vala seeking returning of the Bill.
In the letter, the copies of which were released to the press, Mr. Shettar expressed concern that reduction in space earmarked for parks and playgrounds would affect nearly 250 small towns and cities in the State, barring Bengaluru. Pointing out that there was a linkage between the disappearing lung spaces in urban areas and proliferation of health risks among citizens, he said the “ill-conceived move” by the government to reduce lung spaces and playgrounds was an added “recipe for disaster”.
‘Flouting norms’
Expressing concern over many multi-storeyed buildings in urban areas flouting norms related to lung spaces and civic amenities, he alleged that instead of cracking a whip on them, the “government has sent out a signal that it is ready to protect and serve the vested interests at the cost of the orderly development of the State.” He also took exception to adopting the Bill without any discussion.
He expresses concern that reduction in space for parks and playgrounds will affect nearly 250 small towns and cities in State
