Closed park, open nullah raise concern of Daga Layout residents
   Date :11-Mar-2026

The partial construction of the boundary wall has reduced the park
 (Top) The partial construction of the boundary wall has reduced the park to a mountain of debris, and damaged some of the green gym equipment. (Right) Open slope leading to the nullah right beside the park, without any signage or barricades.
 
By Reema Mewar :
 
The park’s boundary wall has been undergoing construction for nearly 8 months now 
 
A neighbourhood park in Daga Layout, located beside the gate of Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Hill Road, is shut for several months as repair work following the September 2023 floods continues at a slow pace. 
 
September 2023 flood damage
 
The park was severely affected during heavy rainfall and flooding in September 2023, when water from the nearby Nag nullah overflowed into surrounding areas. Residents said, the entire area suffered significant damage as there was no boundary wall separating it from the nullah, allowing floodwater and debris to enter the premises.
 
Boundary wall construction tardy
 
To address this burning issue, construction of a boundary wall along the nullah began about seven to eight months ago, according to residents. They claim that the work has progressed very slowly. In the meantime, the park remains dug up from the inside and its gates have been sealed, preventing residents from accessing the space.
 
Open slope leading to Nag river 
 
Apart from the incomplete work, residents have also raised concerns about a safety hazard near the site. A sloping stretch of road leads directly towards the Nag nullah without any barricades or warning signage. Locals fear that unsupervised children or motorists unfamiliar with the area could accidentally drive into the nullah and risk serious injury.
 
Garbage dumping 
 
Garbage dumping has further aggravated the situation. A senior citizen living near the park said, waste is frequently dumped on the road directly opposite her house. “We have complained to the Municipal Corporation multiple times and even submitted written requests, but no action has been taken. In the summer and rainy seasons, the garbage rots quickly and the smell becomes unbearable,” she said. When contacted, Rajkumar Meshram, Superintendent, Dharampeth Zone, NMC, said the issue would be addressed. He stated that, steps would be taken to speed up the boundary wall construction, install barricades and warning signage near the nullah, and ensure regular garbage collection to prevent dumping in the area.