Haryana's first dedicated park for dogs, inaugurated with much fanfare in Panchkula, has rapidly deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance, leaving residents and their furry companions disappointed. The facility, located in Sector 21, now presents a picture of neglect with broken amenities and overgrown grass.
A Promising Project Now in Shambles
The canine park was officially opened in February 2023 by the then Municipal Commissioner, Poonam Chaudhary. It was established at a cost of approximately Rs 10 lakh under the Smart City Project, aiming to provide a safe, enclosed space for dogs to exercise and socialize off-leash. The park featured separate enclosures for small and large breeds, agility equipment like ramps and hoops, and seating arrangements for pet owners.
However, a visit to the site reveals a starkly different reality. Residents report that the park has been in a state of neglect for months. The once-functional agility equipment lies broken and unused. The grass within the enclosures is overgrown and untrimmed, making it difficult for dogs to play freely. The overall upkeep has been severely lacking, turning the pioneering project into an eyesore.
Residents Voice Their Frustration
Local dog owners, who were initially enthusiastic about the facility, have expressed their frustration and anger. They argue that creating infrastructure is pointless without a solid plan for its regular maintenance. Many now avoid the park altogether, reverting to walking their pets on regular roads or in other public spaces, which defeats the park's original purpose of providing a dedicated, safe zone.
"It was a wonderful initiative, and we were so happy when it opened," said a resident and pet parent. "But within a few months, things started falling apart. The ramps are broken, and no one comes to clean or mow the lawn. It feels like a wasted investment and a broken promise to responsible pet owners in the city."
Official Response and The Way Forward
When contacted, officials from the Municipal Corporation acknowledged the issues. An engineer from the MC's horticulture wing stated that the broken equipment, specifically the ramps, would be repaired. He also mentioned that instructions have been issued to the maintenance staff to regularly cut the grass and ensure the park's cleanliness.
The neglect of Panchkula's first canine park highlights a common problem in public project management: the gap between inauguration and sustained maintenance. For such specialized facilities to succeed, continuous oversight and dedicated funds for upkeep are as crucial as the initial construction. The situation calls for a systematic review of maintenance protocols for all public parks, especially unique facilities like the dog park, to ensure they serve their intended purpose and justify public expenditure.
The future of this facility now hinges on whether the promised repairs and regular maintenance are implemented promptly. Its condition will serve as a test case for the civic body's commitment to developing and sustaining pet-friendly urban infrastructure.
