June 27th 2024.
In Rourkela, a city known for its steel industry, the municipal corporation has established several parks for public use. However, these parks are now in dire need of maintenance, which could negatively affect the city's reputation in the future. These parks were built on vacant lands, shady areas, and even on land previously used for garbage dumping. Despite efforts to improve them over the past few years, lack of proper maintenance has left them in a state of disrepair.
Take, for instance, two of the major parks - Netaji Subash Fitness Park and Senior Citizens' Park. The Netaji Subash Fitness Park, located in front of the RMC office, was initially built by the corporation and later received contributions from Rourkela Smart City. It was once a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful time in nature. However, regular visitors now lament the park's gradual decay. The public toilets are in a sorry state, with missing taps, broken commodes, and no water supply. Stray animals, particularly cows, roam freely inside, causing inconvenience to visitors.
Not only are the facilities in poor condition, but the park's infrastructure is also a cause for concern. Many light bulbs are missing, and exposed electric wires pose a threat to both animals and people. Just recently, two cows narrowly escaped an electric shock. The lack of cleanliness is also a major issue, as garbage can be found scattered throughout the park. The Senior Citizens' Park in Koel Nagar, located in front of Jhirpani PS, faces similar problems. Drug addicts frequent the park, and it turns into an open bar after dark. Additionally, a significant portion of the park is poorly lit, making it unsafe for visitors. Broken tiles on the benches have also caused injuries, with one elderly lady having to receive four stitches on her hand.
Former RMC commissioner Subhankar Mohapatra had promised to allocate Rs 2 crore for the maintenance and improvement of these parks during the Hockey World Cup. However, this has yet to be fulfilled, and the in-charge officer of RMC for parks, Priyabrata Mohapatra, has stated that they plan to increase the park's boundaries to prevent theft of facilities such as taps, fittings, and light bulbs. In order to preserve these public utility spaces, it is essential that immediate action is taken to address these issues and ensure proper maintenance. After all, these parks are meant to be enjoyed by the public and should be kept in good condition for all to appreciate.
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