The much controversial Cubbon Park Management Authority (CPMA) is finally about be formed, with the Horticulture Minister chairing the body as a compromise formula to end a turf war with the Tourism Department.
A meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday sought a report from the Horticulture Department to this effect. The CPMA, as proposed now, will have a vice-chairperson from the civil society.
Sources said Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who was tipped to head the CPMA, is now expected to become the vice-chairperson.
The CPMA will have representatives from all government departments with a stake in the Cubbon Park area, including the Tourism Department that will be tasked with developing the area into a tourist hub without constructing any new building.
CPMA, an autonomous authority to develop the park area into a tourist hub, was proposed as part of the Karnataka Tourism Vision Group, appointed by the government. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced formation of the Authority in his 2014-15 budget speech as well.
However, as the announcement came under the ‘tourism’ head, a bitter turf war ensued with Horticulture Minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa objecting to Tourism Department's interference in a horticulture park.
The proposal about the Authority being headed by a private individual drew flak from environmentalists who feared corporatisation of the lung space.
