For generations, Bokaro's City Park has served as the heart of community leisure, a cherished destination for families to bask in the winter sun and ring in the New Year with celebrations. However, this year, the park's deteriorating condition is keeping residents away, transforming a symbol of joy into one of civic neglect.
A Legacy of Greenery Turns into a Picture of Neglect
Once celebrated for its vibrant lawns, exciting boating facilities, and dynamic attractions, City Park now presents a sorry sight. The primary responsibility for the park's maintenance lies with Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL), and the local community has expressed strong criticism towards the organization for its failure to uphold the park's standards. The park's central pond, which was previously a major draw for its pedal boating, is now overrun with dense weeds, making it resemble a marshland more than a recreational water body.
Further compounding the disappointment is the state of the musical fountain, another feature that historically attracted crowds. It has been non-operational and deserted for several months. Ramesh Kumar, a regular visitor with his family, shared his dismay, stating, "City Park was our preferred weekend getaway. My children adored the boating and the fountain performances. Now, the pond is unrecognizable, and all the excitement has vanished."
Resident Embarrassment and Lost Glory
The park's decline is a particular sore point for residents when hosting guests from other cities. Sunita Devi, another local, highlighted this sentiment, saying, "It feels embarrassing when relatives visiting from outside Bokaro witness the poor state of such a prime location in our town." Strategically situated in the city center with three entry points, City Park was long considered Bokaro's premier green space.
Its past attractions were numerous and popular:
- A beautiful rose garden.
- Picturesque artificial islands.
- A unique floating restaurant.
- A nursery that provided flowers to residents at reasonable prices, which has now also been shut down.
These features once drew visitors in large numbers, but now stand as reminders of better days.
A Glimmer of Hope: BSL's Renovation Plans
In response to the growing public discontent, Manikant Dhan, the Chief of Communication at Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL), has indicated that revival plans are in motion. He confirmed that BSL is preparing to undertake major renovations. The strategy involves outsourcing the park's comprehensive development, operation, and maintenance to private entities. An Expression of Interest (EOI) has already been floated to identify capable partners for this project.
While this announcement offers a potential pathway to restoring City Park's former glory, residents await tangible action. The coming months will reveal whether Bokaro's iconic park can reclaim its status as the city's favorite spot for sunshine and celebration.
