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“This is the very thing we were waiting for”, says Mr.Narayana, a senior resident of Udayanagar, who is really haapy about the fact that he can rejoice in the tranquil environment after his daily morning walk. He adds, ” It reminds me of my childhood days which were less industrial and helped us maintain friendly relationship with the nature”. Not only does the K.Laxminarayana Yadav park located in the Udayanagar premises attract local residents but also a fair number of distant visitors, who compare the beauty of the place with that of the well known parks in the city.

The story of its inception is quite fascinating. According to the local residents, the area before its evolution was a mere moorland which stood as a point of intersection of sewage lines, harboring the soiling domestic garbage and grievous routine of slum dwellers. It formed a stable resrvoir of many contagious diseases which were responsible for a number of periodis outbreaks. Mrs. Tulsi, another local resident says, ” It was the cause of great discomfort and it was virtually abandoned by everyone.

Residents walking in the park Credit:Sai Vijay

There have been stories that the land was the abode of ghosts and ghouls and few passers by revealed to have witnessed some paranormal happenings.” Adding light to Mrs. Tulsi’s words, Raghu, a young resident says, ” My grand pa always stopped me from playing cricket by telling that there were devils lurking there. And now, whenever i visit the park those tales run in my mind and at times, I wonder if there is any ghost following me silently.”

But with continued efforts to improve the area and changing the course of the land, a splendid park emerged in no time. Now, the park is adorned with all the natural comeliness which have vanquished the ugly past. The point of attraction is the core of the place where there are towers resting on the shallow waters. The two towers magnificent to look at and add on to the delight of the whole palce. The park is also equipped with a cafeteria and a couple of play areas apart from the significant number of dexterously made gardens. Mr. Rammohan, another resident says, ” The park caters to the people of different age groups, from playful scamps to the elderly. Its useful to the women of the colony for passing their free time with their neighbours.” The park also gained publicity as a good place for practicing yoga during the early hours.

Play area at the park. Credit: Sai Vijay

The residents of Udayanagar seem to be more than happy with the park and people consider it to be a matter of pride now. With a very low entry fee, it also comes handy to the low economic class. ” We wonder if this is the same place. I remember people masking their nostrils when they would pass through the park. But with the extensive co-operation of the local residents maintaining the park is not all that difficult.”, says Mr.Ramesh, a member of the commitee responsible for rooting  the park. The park is also a picnic spot for many local schools. The residents opine that the administration should retain its consistency and maintain the beauty and serenity of the park. After all, nature is the ultimate governor of life and any attempt intended for its endurance will benefit us in return.

Well, next time for a peaceful walk, one knows where to head!!