Bengaluru: Freedom Park, the city’s hub for protests and public events, has fallen silent temporarily. A private group’s request to hold a protest Monday was denied, confirming a blanket suspension of all activities, according to Gandasi Sadananda Swami, president of the Freedom Park Protest Committee.The shutdown is due to redevelopment work under the Greater Bangalore Authority’s Brand Bengaluru initiative. Until the upgrades are complete, protests, cultural programmes, filming, and other events will be prohibited in the park.Estimated to cost Rs 5 crore, the renovation includes the construction of permanent toilets, repairs to existing structures, and improvements to basic amenities for protesters and visitors. Currently, the park lacks both water and electricity, making it unsuitable for hosting any gatherings.The Freedom Park Protest Committee, comprising officials from Bengaluru Central City Corporation (BCCC) and urban experts, has also requested that police to withhold permission for events until the infrastructure is fully restored. The renovations are expected to be completed in two days.BCCC commissioner Rajendra Cholan said the push to upgrade facilities was initiated by concerns raised by the organisers of the Bengaluru Literature Festival, who noted the poor condition of the space, especially given the large crowds it attracts. He added that these improvements would also support preparations for the upcoming Bengaluru Habba.According to officials, three major projects are currently under way: the repair and development of the auditorium, the beautification of the park’s premises, and the renovation of the old hospital building, along with the complete restoration of public toilets.A senior GBA official said: “The old hospital building had pending electrical work, and the floor tiles were broken, causing people to trip often. We have replaced them with Mangaluru tiles.”Cholan confirmed that the work is progressing swiftly, stating, “The park will be ready for the literature festival.”
