Shelve ill-conceived amusement park

Deccan Herald

22-05-2025

The Karnataka High Court's notice to the central and state governments regarding the Disneyland-like amusement park proposed near the Krishnaraja Sagar dam (KRS) has raised fresh concerns about the project's viability. This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, slated to cover 198 acres with a staggering Rs 2,663 crore investment, proposes an array of attractions, including water parks, roller coasters, a Goddess Cauvery statue, and even a penguin park. However, the petitioners argue that the 20-km radius around the century-old dam is a protected area, where commercial activities that threaten the integrity of the structure are strictly prohibited. Their Public Interest Litigation (PIL) asserts that the government has failed to secure mandatory clearances from the National Dam Safety Authority or invite public suggestions. Moreover, the existing Brindavan Gardens, a heritage park adjacent to the dam, lies in a state of neglect. Instead of allocating resources to the amusement park, the government should revive this historical site..The perils posed by the proposed amusement park are multifaceted and grave. The KRS dam was constructed between 1911 and 1932 – it is inherently susceptible to age-related vulnerabilities, including the weakening of sluice gates and seepage. The constant vibrations from heavy construction activities, including pile-driving and deep excavations, could induce stress and cracks in the dam's masonry and foundation. Furthermore, the constant operation of high-decibel rides and the presence of thousands of visitors daily would further destabilise the structure. With the amusement park situated directly in front of a massive dam holding enormous volumes of water, a structural failure could trigger a disaster of unimaginable proportions, putting countless lives at risk. The environmental impact of this project cannot be ignored. The park will generate massive amounts of waste, including plastic and chemical-laden water from the rides, which will inevitably flow into the Cauvery river. The contaminated water will reach Mandya, Karnataka's rice bowl, threatening agricultural output and livelihoods of farmers..The park represents a case of misplaced priorities, especially when farmers in the Cauvery basin have long demanded investments in canal modernisation and improved water storage infrastructure. Rather than proceeding with this ill-conceived project, the government should invest in long-term water security. If an amusement park must be built, it should be located far from critical water reservoirs, ensuring no risk to the dam or public safety. It is time to shelve this dangerous project before irreversible damage is done.