The protest was a joint initiative of seven resident welfare associations in Malleswaram under the Save Sankey Road and Park Forum, and the residents took out a protest march from the Sankey Tank via Bhashyam Circle to return to the tank. The forum members have decided to submit a petition to the Chief Minister, the Mayor, among others.
Questioning the necessity of a six-lane road, they have pointed out to an alternative corridor being developed via Bellary Road, Mehkri Overpass and C.V. Raman Road. They expressed concern over the possibility of 150 trees being axed for the project, which may affect the sensitive biodiversity of Sankey Tank.
“How will this six-lane signal-free corridor be implemented with the presence of four major traffic junctions — Malleswaram 18{+t}{+h} Cross, Bhashyam Signal, Maramma Circle and Cauvery Junction?” asked Rajan Balasubramanian of the Lower Palace Orchards Residents Welfare Association.
The protestors also expressed concern over the threat faced by pedestrians, especially students of four schools located in the vicinity — Stella Maris, Poorna Prajna Education Centre, Kendriya Vidyalaya and the Government Boys' School. They also alleged that the cost of the project had escalated from Rs. 30 crore to Rs. 33 crore due to re-tendering.
Vijay Kumar, secretary of the Sankey Park Walkers' Association, called the project unscientific and said the Government and the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) should consult the public before undertaking it, as the funds used for it came from the tax payer's pocket.
They also decided to stage a protest on Sunday next against the felling of trees by a petroleum outlet on Sankey Road.
