Shakatri Bagh paints a picture of neglect

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 19

Shakatri Bagh, also called Raminder Singh Bolaria Memorial Park, one of major gardens in the city, paints a picture of utter neglect. Even after restoration of the garden in 2012, there has not been much improvement in its infrastructure.

Broken flower pots, defunct fountains and lights, stinking toilets make the place unhygienic. The deplorable condition of toilets makes these unfit for use. Moreover, visitors claimed that the authorities keep the toilets locked.

The green belt at many places has turned filthy. Instead of presenting a soothing picture, the park offers repulsive look. Visitors cannot stay in the park for long due lack of cleanliness and maintenance. Heaps of garbage lie unattended inside the park and the podium meant for light and sound.

The park holds a great significance as it is located near the popular Gurdwara Shaheeda Sahib in the heart of the city. In December 2011, the state government spent Rs5 crore on giving a facelift to the memorial park in South Assembly segment. Out of this, Rs1.5 crore was spent on musical fountains. Steps were also taken to make sure that the storm water drain, which runs parallel to the park, does not affect the flora and fauna.

In early 2012, the park was transformed into a state-of-art leisure valley. Its previous name was Shakatri Bagh, which was changed to Raminder Singh Bolaria Memorial Park, in the memory of father of sitting Congress MLA Inderbir Bolaria.

Sandep Singh, XEN of the horticulture wing of the MC, said: “The project regarding redevelopment of the garden is in the pipeline. The government has sanctioned Rs7 crore for it. The project will be executed by the Amritsar Improvement Trust.”