Capital’s parks suffer from neglect, apathy

islamabad — Public parks and playgrounds in federal capital need attention of the authorities concerned as many of them suffer due to neglect and lack of maintenance.

The only planned city of the country is famous for its large number of public parks and resorts. However, due to rush of visitors from other parts of the country on special occasions, the condition of these parks and playgrounds has turned poor which needed a regular maintenance by the authorities concerned.

According to a senior official of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), there are 175 public parks and playgrounds in the capital whereas over 1,200 staff has been deployed to keep these parks clean and green.

Khizar Hayat, a resident of Sector I-10, said: “Public parks in the majority of the areas including 1-10, I-9, I-8, F-6 and F-7 including G-6, are in a poor condition with broken benches, lights, swings and uneven walking tracks.”

Finding a public toilet in the parks has always been a hard task for people and if toilets exist, they are in a deplorable condition. Unhygienic conditions, absence of tap water and non-working flush system force people to think twice before using them.

Umar Hayat, a regular visitor to Fatima Jinnah Park, said: “Most of the parks and playgrounds are in appalling conditions in the capital. The area is covered by wild weeds. The decaying condition of parks speaks volumes about the lack of interest of CDA officials.”

Most of the parks also lack the basic facility of clean drinking water. After sunset, wild animals are seen roaming in the parks which discouraged visitors from visiting the park with their families. By the evening hoards of drug addicts throng the parks, turning them a no-go area for women and children.

Vendors at most of parks charge exorbitant rates for soft drinks and edibles. The price of a cup of tea is Rs30 in most of the parks besides high entry and parking fees.

When contacted, a senior CDA official said the capital has the largest number of parks. However, allocation of funds is insufficient for their renovation and provision of required facilities. — APP