Bhawartal Garden, the city’s largest and one of its most popular public gardens, is facing criticism over poor maintenance and cleanliness. Visitors say negligence by the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation's Garden Department has left several parts of the garden in an unhygienic condition. Huge piles of cut tree branches can be seen lying at several places inside the garden. In some areas, trees that were cut months ago are still lying unattended and have started decaying. Morning walkers say the walking tracks are partially blocked by branches, making it difficult to walk safely. The situation outside the garden is also a matter of concern. Encroachments by roadside stalls and handcarts have led to littering in the surrounding area. Many residents use the outer stretch of the garden for morning and evening walks and complain that they have to deal with garbage and poor sanitation every day.

 

Visitors highlight that the Municipal Corporation collects an entry fee from people visiting Bhawartal Garden. Despite this regular cleaning and maintenance are not being carried out as expected. They said civic body should ensure better maintenance of the garden. It may be noted that Bhawartal Garden is one of the city’s most visited recreational places. Hundreds of people, including families and children, visit the garden every day to spend time in a clean and peaceful environment. Residents have urged the JMC to improve cleanliness, remove the cut branches and dead trees and carry out regular maintenance. They said a clean and well-maintained garden is essential for people who visit to enjoy fresh air, greenery and a healthy lifestyle.