‘Save Parade Ground’ Gains Momentum

Hyderabad: The campaign "Save Parade Ground" is gaining momentum with over 200 walkers carrying placards participated in a one-km walk on Sunday showcased staunch opposition to the state government's move of building the new Secretariat there. To make their voice reach the TRS government, the protesters are even planning to fly black balloons on Monday at the Parade Ground.

The state government has stuck to this decision citing 'vastu dosha’ in the present building. Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao reportedly requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then former Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar, to hand over the Bison Polo ground, which is part of the Parade Ground to build new Secretariat complex. In lieu of this ground, KCR promised to give 150 acres land on the city outskirts to the Defence ministry.

The campaign started on Friday and over 1,000 members were seen forming human chain on Saturday to register their protest. A regular walker said that he has a three-decade long attachment with the Parade Ground as his entire family comes for a morning walk here. Meanwhile, another protester said: "To get access to this place, we even battled with the Army, which imposed restrictions in 2014. Due to our protests, they finally yielded and allowed usto use the ground."

"The city's open spaces are fast disappearing and this is only big open space left now in this part. Apart from the morning walkers, the place is a favourite of sportspersons,” said a Bowenpally resident.