GROUND REALITY Neglected playgrounds now serve as parking lots

 

 

 

Once vibrant and buzzing with the sound of children playing, five key playgrounds in the city have now turned into neglected spaces, many of them unofficial parking lots. The Laxmi Nagar ground, Yeshwant Nagar playground, Ram Nagar playground, Shankar Nagar playground, and Madhav Nagar playground are all currently facing various levels of neglect and misuse, raising concerns among residents about the lack of recreational spaces for children and families. Laxmi Nagar playground This ground has been almost entirely converted into a parking area. With no proper maintenance or regular cleaning, the place hardly resembles a community playground anymore.The transformation into a car park has deprived children of a open space to play and grow.

 

Yeshwant Nagar playground The Yeshwant Nagar ground suffers from safety hazards in the form of broken construction pipes scattered across the area. No cleaning or upkeep efforts are evident, leaving the ground in a hazardous state for young users.

 

Ram Nagar playground What was once a recreational space now resembles a ruin. Piles of garbage lie scattered across the playground, and no steps have been taken towards restoration.The sight is disheartening and unhygienic.

 

Shankar Nagar playground Similar to Laxmi Nagar, the Shankar Nagar ground has been taken over as a parking lot. With no sign of regular maintenance or cleaning, the playground no longer serves its original purpose. The garden area, which once added charm to the space, is now neglected and unkempt.

 

Madhav Nagar playground Currently functioning more as a parking zone than a play area for families, senior citizens and children, Madhav Nagar playground is cluttered with long steel rods and debris. The basketball court within the ground is poorly maintained, rendering it nearly unusable for sports enthusiasts. The state of these playgrounds highlights a larger issue of neglect and the need for proper utilisation of public spaces. Local residents and community leaders are urging municipal authorities to take swift action, clearing the debris, stopping illegal parking, and restoring these grounds to their intended purpose.

 

“The Hitavada’ spoke to some citizens who live around these grounds and are disappointed with the current conditions of the playgrounds. Parimal Khobragade expressed his disappointment when asked about the current conditions of the playgrounds stating, “As a teenager, I used to play here a lot and my most fun memories are associated with this playground, but the current situation is very bad, The ground is mostly covered by the parked cars, leaving no space for the children to play.” Sunil Dongare, another citizen who is searching for a ground for his child to play stated “I have been looking for a playground for my children, but no ground seems to have a safe and well-maintained playground for children to play. I also worry about the safety of the children as the construction material lying around the playground could be harmful if they are injured by it.” Kajal Joshi, a young citizen said, “I need a ground to peacefully walk and spend my leisurely time, but these playgrounds are always packed with cars and with so much rocks and debris around it seems almost impossible to walk peacefully.”

 

Playgrounds are not just recreational areas; they are essential for the healthy development of children and the well-being of the community. ‘The Hitavada’ spoke with Dr Piyush Ambulkar, Sports and Cultural Officer, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, NMC about the current state of these playgrounds. He stated, “We will issue a circular regarding the problem of cars parking in the playgrounds and it will be implemented soon. The maintenance and the cleanliness of the ground will also be an issue that will be tackled.” If left unaddressed, the continued deterioration of these spaces could have long-term consequences on public health, community engagement, and the environment. It is high time authorities gave priority to the restoration and maintenance of these vital public assets.