Battle For Kengeri Playground: MLA ST Somashekhar Champions Efforts Against Land Takeover

The Chairman of the Assembly Petition Committee, Rudrappa Manappa Lamani, lauded the unwavering commitment of local MLA ST Somashekhar in addressing legal entanglements surrounding a piece of land registered as a CA site intended for a playground in Kengeri. Prompted by complaints regarding the Kengeri suburb’s playground within the Yeshavantpur Assembly Constituency, the Assembly’s committee investigated the site’s condition. Lamani highlighted the imminent risk of losing the space to private interests but expressed optimism in preserving it through collective efforts. Speaking on the matter, MLA ST Somashekhar emphasized the playground’s significance as the sole recreational space in Kengeri Suburban Barangay. A prime 2-acre 32-gunta land in BDA Supardi attracted attention from a private entity, raising concerns of commercial exploitation. Somashekhar revealed attempts by certain individuals, facilitated by intermediaries, to exploit a BDA loophole for personal gain, aiming to convert the playground into a lucrative stadium. In response, the MLA appealed to the BBMP and urged the BDA to hand over the land, emphasizing its community value. Notably, the BDA Corporation’s request for a 30-year lease amounting to Rs 9.61 crore, with an annual fee of Rs 1.74 crore, heightened apprehensions of potential privatization. Concerns loomed over the misuse of notifications, potentially depriving the community of this civic amenity. MLA S.T. Somashekar credited the concerted efforts of local leaders and sports enthusiasts for safeguarding the playground, affirming its crucial role as a community asset. The committee’s visit, attended by members such as Suresh Kumar, Shivaram Hebbar, Rakesh Singh, and others, underscored the collective determination to protect the Kengeri playground from privatization attempts.