Despite renovating Balodyan in 2024, the condition of the garden remains in a sorry state. As the play equipment in the premises of the garden awaits for proper maintenance, damaged fencing across the border and the garbage spread across the premises highlights the poor maintenance of the garden. Balodyan is an important recreation place and in yesteryears Nagpurians have plenty of memorable visits. However the garden today is almost in shambles, due to lack of upkeep and total neglect.

 

Maintaining facilities at Balodyan remains a challenge for the Forest Department, with limited fundsrestricting improvements and permanent staff vacancies remaining unfilled after the employees retired. According to the garden staff, for the routine upkeep of the garden, the Department is relying on four to five agency-appointed workers who are working for daily wages, while further improvements depend on additional financial support. “Manpower shortage is not as significant a concern as the lack of funds. We are making efforts to secure funds from the Government to provide the necessary facilities and carry out further improvements,” said officials associated with the Balodyan. According to the sources in the management, there are no fresh recruitment taking place, despite permanent employees retiring. The agency-appointed workers are deployed in different batches during morning, afternoon and evening shifts to manage routine duties, including cleaning.

 

The entry fee at Balodyan is Rs 10 for children aged 5-10 years and Rs 50 for visitors above ten years, while children below 5-years can enter free. Ticket revenue supports basic facilities, including a water cooler which was installed recently for the visitors, but further improvements require additional Government funding. However, the revenue from ticket sales is insufficient to meet all the garden’s requirements. Officials said that while available resources were being used to improve facilities, additional work would be taken up as and when Government funds became available.

 

The department has submitted a proposal seeking financial assistance from the Government for the further improvements and maintenance-related works. While the installation of a water cooler and proposed CCTV system indicate efforts to improve visitor amenities, sustained maintenance will require adequate financial support and attention to staffing needs. With fresh recruitment yet to take place, ensuring regular upkeep remains an important concern as the garden seeks funds for further improvements.