Revival on the horizon for Sirsa’s neglected town park
Once a vibrant green space in the heart of Sirsa, the Chaudhary Devi Lal Town Park has become a picture of administrative neglect. Developed during the tenure of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, the park was once known for its musical fountain, walking paths, children’s play areas and an open air gym. Today, broken benches, overgrown paths, and piles of garbage mark what used to be a popular public destination.
The delay in park maintenance stemmed largely from confusion over jurisdiction. For years, responsibility for the park’s upkeep remained unclear between the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and the Sirsa Municipal Council. However, a recent letter from the Executive Engineer of HSVP’s Horticulture Division in Hisar has finally transferred control of the park to the Municipal Council, following directions from the Sirsa Deputy Commissioner. The letter also instructed the transfer of the park’s electricity connection to the council for future maintenance.
Responding to appeals from local citizens and social workers, Municipal Commissioner Surender Beniwal has directed immediate restoration efforts. Social activists, including Amit Soni, who met the commissioner, said he promised a comprehensive upgrade, including the installation of a new musical fountain, modern lighting, new benches, an updated entry gate, and fresh grass. All walking paths will also be repaired. Tenders for the renovation are expected to be issued soon.
Resident Harbhagwan Arora lamented the current state of the park, describing broken infrastructure and its transformation into a hangout spot for miscreants, which has driven families away. He and other residents expressed hope that the renewed efforts would restore the park’s lost charm.
Originally built on the site of Sirsa’s old jail, which was relocated to Barnala Road the park had been designed as a model recreational space. In its prime, it drew large crowds in the mornings and evenings and served as a key social hub for residents of all ages.
With official ownership now clarified and local pressure mounting, the long-awaited restoration of Sirsa’s town park may finally be underway.
