The Times of India 27.04.2010
Leisure Valley Park dries up civic body claims
Nidhi Singhi, TNN, Apr 26, 2010, 09.33pm IST
LUDHIANA: The tall claims of municipal corporation regarding maintenance of parks in the city falls flat on seeing the condition of 3 km-long New Leisure Valley Park running parallel to Sidhwan Canal, adjacent to the Model Town Extension.
The park that was developed by the MC almost 5 years ago at a cost of over Rs 60 lakh is in a shambles today. Migrant labourers are making the most of the situation by taking nap in the soaring heat.
Sources said the condition of the park is such that almost 90% of the lamp posts here are devoid of any bulbs or covering shades. It is only through the open electric connections at the bottom of these bare polls that one comes to know of them being lamp posts.
Besides, though arrangement for fountains are present at two places, the fountains have either been stolen or removed by the installing contractors themselves to be installed some where else.
The overgrown grass on the concrete path here and the scattered garbage on the periphery of this long park further adds to its appaling condition. The stinking smell makes things worse, sources added.
In view of this, the residents of adjoining localities, who were very excited to have a park in the area, are fed up with the utter neglect of the corporation.
“When the park was constructed some years ago, we were really delighted. The idea of taking a walk near the canal thrilled us, but the dream has fallen flat owing to the MC’s failure,” rued Manjeet Singh, a resident of Model Town Extension.
Talking on similar lines, Karan, another resident, said it is very important to maintain greenery in the form of parks.
When the civic body officials allot space, they should develop and maintain these, he added.
Landscape officer Surinder Kumar said owing to the shortage of staff, they were facing problems in maintaining the green belts. But they conduct plantation drives on regular intervals and would start another drive in July and August, he added.
The park that was developed by the MC almost 5 years ago at a cost of over Rs 60 lakh is in a shambles today. Migrant labourers are making the most of the situation by taking nap in the soaring heat.
Sources said the condition of the park is such that almost 90% of the lamp posts here are devoid of any bulbs or covering shades. It is only through the open electric connections at the bottom of these bare polls that one comes to know of them being lamp posts.
Besides, though arrangement for fountains are present at two places, the fountains have either been stolen or removed by the installing contractors themselves to be installed some where else.
The overgrown grass on the concrete path here and the scattered garbage on the periphery of this long park further adds to its appaling condition. The stinking smell makes things worse, sources added.
In view of this, the residents of adjoining localities, who were very excited to have a park in the area, are fed up with the utter neglect of the corporation.
“When the park was constructed some years ago, we were really delighted. The idea of taking a walk near the canal thrilled us, but the dream has fallen flat owing to the MC’s failure,” rued Manjeet Singh, a resident of Model Town Extension.
Talking on similar lines, Karan, another resident, said it is very important to maintain greenery in the form of parks.
When the civic body officials allot space, they should develop and maintain these, he added.
Landscape officer Surinder Kumar said owing to the shortage of staff, they were facing problems in maintaining the green belts. But they conduct plantation drives on regular intervals and would start another drive in July and August, he added.
