Parks in rly colony a victim of official apathy

Tribune News Service

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Bathinda, May 21

Parks situated in the railway colony paint a picture of neglect by the railway authorities. The broken railings, joy-rides and overgrown grass have become an eyesore for those residing in that area.

As Shastri Park is in a dilapidated condition, there has been a significant fall in number of residents visiting the park over the years. Residents of the area complained that despite bringing the matter to the notice of authorities concerned, nothing concrete has been done till now.

Similarly, another park located near Old Double Storey building in the railway-line area is in bad shape with 80 per cent of its railings broken. There are no swings, benches and even a green grass cover.

Residents living near the park rue that as renovation work has not been done for years, the park no more looks like a park.

Manish Meena, a resident of Old double storey building area, said, “Owing to the lax attitude of the railway authorities concerned, thieves have stolen swings and iron railings installed here. Despite several complaints lodged in the GRP station, nothing has been done in this regard.”

In the absence of proper maintenance of the parks, these have become a favourite spot for anti-social elements. One can easily see a number of migrants and others while playing cards and creating a mischief in an inebriated condition inside it.

Lalit Kumar, another resident of the railway colony, said once residents near the Shastri Park had renovated the swings and cleaned the entire park, but without the cooperation of the authorities concerned the situation remains the same again.

DRM Dinesh Chander Sharma and ADRM Kuldip Singh could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.