What has become of Japan Park?

The decline of Japan Park in South End Circle is a story that’s worth telling. Once known for its fresh, green surroundings it has been left at the mercy of cows and litter. The name of the park originated due to the park borrowing some of its infrastructural styles from Japanese architecture. Earlier called rose garden, the park, in its initial days, attracted several visitors from Jayanagar area.  Stray dogs are a common sight in the park. The lawn has no grass to speak of. The walking path comprises of broken tiles. Garbage is dumped in all corners of the park by the residents. A crater, which is supposed to be a pond, is filled with sewage water and garbage. Cows munch on the remainder of the grass leaving the park to be an open field.  The trees are dying due to no nurturing and no care. Adding to the woes that have already been created due to the state of neglect in which the park has been left in, is the Metro work in the area. The BMRCL has used the already deteriorated park to lodge their metro construction materials.The park once had a caretaker who maintained it. Now according to the residents, it is cleaned once in a blue moon, when a higher official visits the area or the residents complain. Sahana, a resident said, “Before the metro construction began, the park was slightly better for enjoyment and relaxation, but now it has become a big hassle to everyone who visits the it.”The local corporator of the ward, Ramamurthy, said, “The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited authorities have taken the initiative to get back the charm of the park.” He further added that efforts to reconstruct the park would begin as soon as the metro work is competed.  But only a quarter of the area of the park has been occupied with the construction materials. The remaining is in a state that requires immediate action from the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The matter is further worsened by the lack of electricity in the park. At night it holds a pitch dark appearance. Bad maintenance is what has lead to the park to the state it is today. Rajanna, a senior citizen and a resident of Jayanagar said, “There is no basic hygiene maintained. Several youngsters often come here to smoke which is ironic as the park is suppose to be a no-smoking zone. Sometimes we also find beer bottles strewn around in the park. It is a clear violation of the rules.”The managing director for BMRCL, N Shivashailam said, “I will ensure that the area will be cleaned out as soon the metro work in the area is completed.”