Sun Sep 28 03:50:51 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewrite of the provided text as a news article, suitable for publication in *The Hindu*:

**Summary:**

A portion of the newly redeveloped Kadri Park Road pavement in Mangaluru has been removed to create access to the Forest Department’s new office complex, sparking outrage from park users, activists, and even local politicians. The move, undertaken without public consultation, involved dismantling part of the pavement, which was recently upgraded as part of a ₹16.5 crore Smart City project. Critics argue that alternative access routes were available, and the demolition damages a valuable public space. The Forest Department defends its decision, citing security concerns regarding VIP movement at the adjacent circuit houses.

**News Article:**

**Kadri Park Road Pavement Demolished for Forest Dept. Access Sparks Outrage in Mangaluru**

**MANGALURU, September 28, 2025** – The newly redeveloped Kadri Park Road in Mangaluru has become the center of controversy after a portion of its pavement was removed to provide direct access to the Forest Department’s new office complex. The demolition has ignited a firestorm of criticism from local residents, park users, social activists, and even elected officials, who decry the lack of public consultation and the damage to a valuable public amenity.

The Kadri Park Road, recently beautified under a ₹16.5 crore Smart City project by Mangalore Smart City Ltd (MSCL), now features upgraded pavements, decorative lighting, and other improvements. The demolished section was located between a row of newly constructed stalls and the compound wall of the Circuit House, opposite the All India Radio Station. A ramp is currently under construction to connect the road to the Forest Department offices.

“It’s disheartening to see a part of the redeveloped road, opened just over two years ago, being damaged like this,” said Jagannath Gambir, a member of the Kadri Park Development Committee. He added that the Forest Department should have consulted with MSCL before taking such action.

Social activist Yatish Baikampady echoed the sentiment, stating that the department could have utilized the existing entrance road to the Circuit House. “There was no need to damage the already redeveloped Kadri Park Road pavement,” Baikampady said. “This sets a bad precedent where government agencies themselves are damaging public spaces.”

Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath expressed his displeasure, stating that the government had proceeded with the work without consulting the public or informing elected representatives.

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Conservator of Forests Anthony S. Mariyappa defended the decision, explaining that the new building, constructed at a cost of ₹3 crore by Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited, will house his office, as well as the offices of the Assistant Conservator of Forest, Mangaluru, the Department’s Information Technology Cell, and the Marine Cell.

Mariyappa stated that the existing Circuit House entrance road could not be used as a public road due to security concerns related to VIP visits. “Due to the movement of VIPs to the circuit houses, there is a need for security restrictions. Hence we constructed a direct access to Kadri Park Road,” he explained.

The controversy highlights the tension between development needs and the preservation of public spaces, and raises questions about transparency and community engagement in urban planning projects.

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