Plans in the pipeline

BANGALORE: Rajajinagar Ram Mandir ground is one of the oldest playgrounds in the city. The playground was developed in place of the dying Siddaramajille kere lake in 1956 by the Bangalore Developmental Authority (BDA). Developed to suit the growing needs of urbanisation, the ground has witnessed many event during its time.It now comes under Sri Ramamandira Ward and it has seen over 55 years of cultural, political and athletic events, with an average of over 500 programs taking place over the years. It mainly plays host to cultural events during Hindu festivities along with the weekly bhajana mandalis and music concerts. “The ground was once used as platform by Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the emergency to give speeches,” said the ward corporator, Jayratna, commemorating the fact that the ground is also used as a political platform for many MLAs. Apart from this it also witnesses many tournaments and sports days of various associations and schools in the surrounding area.During the evenings, about 200 people visit the ground to play and sit with their friends. It is always open for the public and one can find many people on the ground at any given point of time during the day. “There is no gate or security for the ground and hence, it is accessible at any time of the day,” said Vivek, a student of a nearby school who comes to play cricket everyday.Chaitra a college student also visits the ground. She said that she comes to the ground almost everyday to play badminton with her friends. We also come here during the lunch break or during free classes along,” she smiles.Now maintained by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BBMP), the corporator claims that the Palike sweepers keep the grounds clean. But, Thimappa, a regular visitor complains that “No one comes here to clean the place on a regular basis. The children here dirty the ground and there is no official to refrain or penalise them from doing so.”When asked about the future plans for the ground, the corporator informed that an auditorium is being constructed in the premises which will be used for the many cultural and political events. “The MLA grant of over Rs. 1.75 crore is being utilised for the construction of the auditorium,” said Jayratna. In the near future, a library and a gym will also be built above the auditorium in order to attract more public to make use of the facilities. “The senior citizens have also requested for a meeting room for their associations which is being considered by the authorities,” she added. Apart from these, a neat drainage system, rain-water harvesting system along with the reconstruction of steps surrounding the ground will also be undertaken.