Visitors wearing shoes told not to walk on grass

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 15

Visitors to a public park being maintained by a private firm at Sarabha Nagar have been barred from walking and jogging on the grass wearing shoes. A group of residents have complained to the MC Commissioner against the alleged ban on wearing footwear while walking on the grass.

A resident has also requested the Municipal Commissioner to clarify whether it is allowed to step on the grass or not as per terms and conditions on which the park has been handed over to a private firm.

Daljit Singh Grewal of Sarabha Nagar said: “I have been visiting this park for the past two years for jogging. On Friday morning, senior members of the park committee asked me not to step on the grass while jogging. It is not the first time that this happened with me. A senior member of the park categorically said Rs 50,000 per month were spent on the maintenance of this park and he had ordered that no one can step on the grass.”

“I jog on the muddy track made for running but have to step onto the grass to give way to women, senior citizens and fellow friends as a mark of respect and common sense. I appreciate that the park has been well maintained. As it is a public park, there should be no restrictions on walking wearing footwear on the grass. I also maintain one such park where there are no such restrictions,” he added.

The display boards carrying the message, ‘Kripya ghas par jute pehan kar naa chalein’ (Please don’t walk wearing shoes on the grass) have been displayed in the park. The residents said even children are not being allowed to play sports there.

Officials speak

Horticulture wing official Kirpal Singh said: “The park is being well maintained by the firm. But the park management committee can’t stop any one from walking wearing footwear on the grass. We will look into the matter and take necessary measures in this regard.”