The much-anticipated restoration of Hubballi's historic Lady Sykes Garden, fondly known as Chitaguppi Park, has hit a major roadblock, moving at a painfully slow pace. More than eight months after the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) launched the project, the first phase remains incomplete, leaving citizens frustrated and the park's future in limbo.
A Snail's Pace Progress on a Heritage Project
Initiated to overhaul and protect the 96-year-old green space adjacent to the HDMC commissioner's office on Lamington Road, the project was planned in phases. The corporation allocated Rs 80 lakh for the initial phase of development. However, despite the passage of over eight months, significant portions of the work are still pending. The delay has sparked widespread disappointment among local residents and regular park-goers who were eagerly awaiting the promised upgrades to their beloved community hub.
The park, which once served as a vibrant centre for community life, now grapples with outdated amenities and neglected landscapes. The visible lack of progress has raised serious questions about project management and the efficiency of resource allocation within the municipal corporation.
What's Done and What's Pending?
According to officials, some components of the first phase have been finished. Walkway improvement works are complete, and water supply installation to the park has been finished. However, other critical elements like installing planter boxes with seating and setting up tables with benches are still underway. R Vijay Kumar, the superintending engineer, stated that a notice has been issued to the contractor to expedite the remaining work. The contractor has reportedly committed to completing all pending tasks within 20 days.
Kumar added that the second phase of the development will only be taken up once the first phase is fully complete. Designing and planning for the subsequent phase are currently in progress.
Hope Amidst Frustration: The Vision for Revival
Despite the current delays, environmental activists and citizens remain hopeful for the park's eventual revival. The development plan includes essential upgrades such as improved pathways, enhanced lighting, and the careful restoration of historical elements that reflect the site's rich heritage. These enhancements are seen as crucial not just for preserving the park's legacy but also for ensuring it continues to function as a vital green lung for the growing city.
HDMC officials have assured the public that efforts are being made to address the delays and speed up the work. However, the community is calling for greater transparency and regular updates on the project's status. As Hubballi continues to urbanise, the preservation and revitalisation of such historic natural spaces become increasingly important for quality of life.
The successful completion of the Lady Sykes garden project would not only honour its century-old past but also secure its future as a cherished urban oasis for generations to come.
