Concerned over losing the Parade Grounds to the State government for construction of Secretariat, morning walkers in Secunderabad staged a protest on Saturday morning.
The walkers gathered early in the morning and raised slogans demanding that the State government leave the Parade Grounds untouched.
They also formed a human chain as a form of protest. The residents said they feared the State’s government reported plans of acquiring the grounds, which is currently under Army administration.
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“Though there is no clarity over exactly which parcel of land the State is eyeing, there is a concern among residents that it could be the Parade Grounds. We are thus protesting the move,” said M. Krishank, a Congress spokesperson and Secunderabad resident who organised the protest.
Mr. Krishank said the local MLA, Sayanna, had thanked the Chief Minister for negotiating with the Ministry of Defence in getting its nod for Parade Grounds.
The State government plans to develop two skyways, one each from Paradise to Suchitra and from Patny to Shameerpet, for which it requires nearly 100 acres of land in Secunderabad Cantonment. However, in the recent past, an older proposal that the State shifting the Secretariat to Secunderabad has gathered attention.
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As part of the proposal, the State government had sought Bison Polo Grounds and Gymkhana but not the Parade Grounds. It remains unclear which parcel of the land that State seeks in Secunderbad Cantonment in exchange for land elsewhere.
While the Bison Polo Grounds is restricted to Army and NCC use, the Parade Grounds is used by morning walkers and sports enthusiasts. The Secunderabad Cantonment Board, which manages the grounds, also allows the State government to carry out official parades on Republic Day and Independence Day.
The Gymkhana Ground, on the other hand, which abuts the Bison Polo Grounds, is also used for sporting activities, mainly cricket, football and basketball.