Indian Express 22.12.2009
Civic body plans more community centres for city, existing ones in dire straits
Lack of adequate infrastructure, unkempt lawns and crumbling buildings — it is the same sad state of affairs at various community centres in the city.
While the Municipal Corporation is on a foundation stone laying spree of new centres, it has failed to pay attention to the existing ones which are in dire need of upgradation.
Overgrown weeds, irregular supply of water and inadequate furniture compound the problems.
There have also been instances where people who have booked the centres for social functions have complained about the lack of cleanliness and the rude behaviour of the staff.
The renovation plan for the community centre in Sector 47 was passed two years ago but the ground situation has a different tale to tell.
The community centre is among the oldest in the city. The building was earlier occupied by the CRPF but it was never repaired even after being vacated. Ten rooms are lying vacant but are unfit for use. Gardeners for the upkeep of lawns are also nowhere to be seen.
Councillor Jatinder Bhatia said there is an urgent need to renovate the centre immediately. “This community centre earns maximum revenue among all centres so the facilities must be upgraded here,” he stated.
Due to the installation of mobile towers, some structures have also suffered severe damage.
Meanwhile, lack of space haunts the community centre in Sector 38. Just one hall and a room on the first floor does not leave much scope for holding functions.
Councillor Rita Sharma said, “Only a gathering of 100 to 150 people can be accommodated as the hall is quite small. An extension of the community centre is being planned. The infrastructure needs to be upgraded though new furniture was purchased recently. A library would also be started.”
The community centre at Badheri can only boast of dingy unkempt rooms and an age-old neglected library.
Two community centres in Sector 20 and 33 fall under the ward of councillor Rajesh Gupta. He says the condition is so bad that no functions can be hosted there. “The community centres have just two rooms each. The one on the first floor is not allowed to be used for any function. There is an urgent need for upgradation,” said Gupta.
