Missing greenery

Raja Garden residents' wait for well-maintained parks seems to be a far cry.

In spite of the fact that every year, Rs 25 lakh (approx) from the councillor fund is allocated for the development of parks but still the parks are in a pathetic state.
Call them a barren land, garbage dump or a deplorable structure, parks in Raja Garden have been in ruins for a long time.
Trikona Park and a park near House Number 130 have been in a dilapidated condition for three decades. Residents have also lodged several complaints with the authorities but to no avail.
Every year, Rs 50 lakh (approx) from the councillor fund is allocated for the development of roads and Rs 25 lakh (approx) for parks but still the parks in the area have not been developed.
Lack of gardeners has led to the demise of the small plants.   "We also do not feel safe to visit the parks," said Neena Visht, another resident.
 "We haven't seen any positive change in the condition of the parks of the area for years," said Rambhaj, secretary, Raja Garden Residents' Welfare Association.
 Many residents claim that local authorities have not done anything to change the situation of the parks despite knowing about it.  "Trikona park does not have any greenery. The two swings which were put years back are also in a pathetic condition. It only has a walking track. There are big trees in the park but pruning of them has not been done for years. We have written several letters to the councillor and MCD deputy commissioner west zone but no action has been taken yet," said PP Sahgal, president, Raja Garden Residents' Welfare Association.
 "One can see parks getting encroached by construction workers, garbage, etc., whenever new construction starts in the area every alternate month. These workers dump debris outside the parks and wash clothes in the park and dry them on the grills of the boundary wall. Authorities have hardly visited these parks and I am not even sure that these are in their records or not," said Neha Bisht, a resident of Raja Garden.
 MCD councillor Rampal Tyagi said, "Most of the parks that come under my ward have been cleaned and are in good condition. Few parks that you have mentioned are to be revamped and tenders are ready. Due to the election procedure, it is getting delayed but surely it will be done."

--Paroma bhattacharya