Apropos the article ‘Time ripe for Save Kasturchand Park Campaign’ by Vijay Phanshikar in ‘The Hitavada’ Cityline dated April 9 has once again brought into light the misuse of public property by the people holding high position in Government Department. The unthoughtful designs of steel and concrete structures being erected in the name of city development on the ground of century-old Kasturchand Park needs strong opposition from citizens of Nagpur. The subject to Save Kasturchand Park from extinction by ‘The Hitavada’ needs public attention as well as by city fathers who should intervene and save the Park which was used by citizens of Nagpur for recreation.

 

I remember that Kasturchand Park was the only popular open space in the city were citizens used to play cricket and other games like football, badminton etc. Simultaneously, on the other hand, on the same ground learners of two-wheelers and-four wheelers were taking their lesson of driving. On Sundays and other weekly holidays, National Cadets Corps (NCC) members were seen doing the drill and rehearsal for Republic Day parade and Independence Day while many senior citizens, women and children enjoyed seeing them.

 

The Park was used for ‘Ravan Dahan’ every year at the time of Dussehra festival as well as for firework during Diwali festival. The Park was used for all kind of activities by the Nagpurians and irrespective of caste and creed people used to come together and enjoy here. Today tears roll out from my eyes when I go around the Kasturchand Park and see the manner in which the Park space is being plundered for construction of Metro structure by the Government officials who forget that their parents and they themselves during childhood grew up playing in this Park I request the authorities and the city leaders to once again review the matter of saving the Kasturchand Park which ‘The Hitavada’ has raised. The Park’s open space not only maintain city ambience but add to its beauty.