Ferozepur parks in neglect, residents blame official apathy

Unplanned urbanisation and rampant encroachment has robbed this erstwhile princely town of most of its lush green open spaces. The ones left are not maintained, keeping visitors away.

Old-timers recollect that the city used to boast of several picturesque gardens, including Tulsi Ram Bagh, Gol Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Ram Sukh Dass Bagh, Phool Chand Bagh and Kanshi Ram Bagh. Today, Gol Bagh is the only garden under the supervision of the civic body while all other green spaces have disappeared. These were either the property of individuals or trusts.

Not just that the city has lost these old historic gardens, even parks, which came up during the past few years, are also bearing the brunt of government apathy, and are in deplorable state in absence of lack of maintenance.

In the early sixties, individuals and trusts maintaining the gardens had started disposing them of as it became difficult to maintain such vast tracts of land vulnerable to encroachments. The only municipality garden, ‘Gol Bagh’, used to be full of fruit trees, which eventually turned into garbage dump. “While most of these old parks have been encroached upon, those reconstructed during the last decade by spending crores portray a picture of neglect,” lamented PD Sharma, a senior citizen.

Set up at cost of Rs 1 crore, the condition of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Twin Parks is deplorable. The ornamental plants have dried up due to lack of care, the benches damaged, the LED screen dysfunctional and electric equipment stolen. The rusted swings are used by nearby residents to dry clothes.

The condition of Kamal Sharma Park is no different. The park was set up in the memory of former state BJP chief in the heart of city at the cost of Rs 59 lakh in 2021. The park had an open-air gym and a basketball court to attract youth. Swings were also installed for kids.

Today, most of the gym equipment is damaged and the basketball court not in a playable condition. The park set up at old Dasehra Ground on the Zira road has become a safe haven for drug peddlers, and most of the equipment installed there, including grilles, have been stolen.

“Visiting these parks at night time is fraught with risk for women. Moreover, people have started dumping garbage near them, due to which people avoid visiting these parks. Hence, these remain deserted most of time,” said Kiran Kaur, a local resident.

Vipul Narang, a social worker, said the government should ensure these parks were well-maintained and restore the past glory of the town. Even the Town Hall park, which saw revolutionary upsurge during pre-Independence times, was also not being kept well, he added.

The only exceptions were Gian Devi Vatika and Bagi Park, which were being maintained by private trusts, said Shailendra Laoria, adding that the park near National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala was also crying for attention.