Residents suffer due to park’s neglect

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 13

Shastri park located inside the Railway Colony is a picture of neglect. With is its long standing grass, heaps of garbage, pools of stagnant water and a broken boundary wall, the park is hardly an ideal location for the nearby residents to relax, recharge and recreate.

Residents of Pratap Nagar and Jogi Nagar alleged the park had not been maintained for years. They say that people hardly venture into the park due to its shabby state. Residents also blame the authorities concerned for its deplorable condition.

A resident alleged that the railway authorities were responsible for the park’s unkempt state as they had not maintained it properly.

Shastri Park has also become a playground of sorts for anti-social elements, particularly drug addicts, thieves and snatchers. Sukhjeet Kaur, a resident, said, “People avoid going near the park due to fear of theft and snatching incidents.”

Ranjeet Singh, a resident, said, “The park is meant to benefit people, but we are facing trouble instead. People throw garbage inside the park, which along with long standing grass, increases the risk of vector-borne diseases.”

Anjna Rani, Councillor, Pratap Nagar, said, “We have intimated the railway authorities several times, but to no avail.”

We would submit an application to the railway authorities in this regard, if they fail to act we would protest against them, she said. Balwant Rai Nath, Mayor, said, “The railway authorities must take concrete steps in this regard. If they are not able to maintain it properly then they can give the park on lease to the MCB and we will take care of it.”