Playground turns danger zone for schoolchildren in Bangalore

Malleswaram playground is fast turning into a danger zone. The ground is in a mess, thanks to some construction work undertaken recently. While one end of the ground has been excavated, the remaining part is filled with large stone slabs that are scattered around randomly. What’s worse is that a lot of children can be seen running around in the construction area.

Nearly 350 students from the Bangalore Education Society, a school located close to the ground, come there daily as part of their physical education class. “There is no other place for the children to play,” said physical education teacher Paramesh KM.

There is a basketball court and a throw-ball area. However, as only a limited number of people can use that area, most of them resort to using the ground area, where heavy construction is on. “If the ball falls somewhere in the area under construction, shouldn’t we tell the students not to collect it?” Paramesh asked.

The excavated site has electric poles and sagging electrical wires though authorities claimed they were not live. “We have told the children so many times that they must not play in that area. Even if we close the ground, there are many who jump in and use the place for playing purposes,” said Papanna G, labour contractor, adding that they could not be held responsible if anyone was hurt.

G Manjunath Raju, corporator of Malleswaram, said that during the rainy season, water gets clogged, which prevents usage of the ground. “We want to develop the ground so that it can be utilised by everyone. We have orally informed the two schools (Bangalore Education Society and Corporation School, Malleswaram), who use the place frequently not to bring their children here until the construction is completed,” said Manjunath.

The work is expected to be completed in another month, following which the construction of a stage will take place, according to Manjunath.

When DNA contacted the assistant executive engineer Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Shantha Kumar M, he said that he will look into the matter. “There is no point in putting up a board. Instead, we will barricade the area where the stage is to come up soon,” he said.