A public garden in Kukade Layout, meant for children and elders to relax and play, has turned into a dumping ground due to neglect and lack of maintenance--infested with congress grass, garbage and stray cattle taking over the open space. Open-gym equipment with red and yellow poles are seen amid knee-high grass and weeds. A cricket practice pitch with green nets has been made on one side, but the entrance and corners are blocked by garbage. During a visit by ‘The Hitavada’ on Thursday, residents said the place was once clean and lively. “Children played in the morning and evening and elders came for their routine walks. But, now no one wants to enter. Kids have no safe place to play as broken grills and waste pose risk of injury.

 

Even elders avoid the area due to foul smell and stray cattle. The situation has turned worse in last few years,” said Suraj Suryawanshi, a local. When contacted, a Junior Engineer from NMC Garden Department said the garden will soon be redeveloped as playground. “Official paper work to hand it over to a contractor has been done. Soon, work for leveling, grass cutting, repair of grills and boards and regular maintenance will start.” A garden is expected to be a place where citizens can enjoy fresh air and a healthy atmosphere. If it becomes a garbage yard, it spreads disease and fear. Residents have now asked the civic body to clean the area, repair the broken equipment, and restore it as a proper garden and playground at the earliest.