Delhi's Baba Mangaldas Park Transformed into Cattle Grazing Ground
In a concerning development, a neighborhood public park in Delhi, originally designated for recreation, has gradually morphed into a grazing ground for cattle. At Baba Mangaldas Park in Aya Nagar, stray and owned cattle now roam freely alongside children, senior citizens, and families who frequent the space daily.
Infrastructure Failures Enable Cattle Influx
The transformation is largely attributed to severe infrastructure neglect. Broken boundary walls, exposed wires, and open gates have effectively turned the park into a daytime shelter for cattle. Reports indicate that owners leave their animals here during the day and retrieve them in the evening for milking, a practice that has persisted for years without intervention.
Mohammad Nizam, a 26-year-old vendor who has operated a stall in the park every Sunday for six years, highlights the ongoing disruption. "It's always been like this," he says, noting that unchecked cattle movement interferes with park users and vendors during the weekly market. He points to damaged fencing, adding that parts of the boundary wall have been broken for five to six years. "This can be fixed in a day or two, but there is no guarantee it will be done," he laments.
Safety Concerns for Families and Children
For local families, the primary concern is safety. Manoj Kumar, a 48-year-old resident who visits with his 13-year-old daughter and a three-year-old relative, expresses worry despite no reported attacks. "They haven't attacked anyone," he says, "but they fight among themselves and suddenly start running. My children are scared to come here alone, so I accompany them." This sentiment is echoed by other parents, who now feel compelled to supervise their children closely in what should be a safe public space.
Sangeeta Negi, 34, recalls a time when the park was better maintained. "It used to be very nice, with green grass everywhere. There was only one gate and it was closed from all sides," she reminisces. "Now it is open from everywhere." Her comments underscore the park's decline from a well-kept recreational area to its current state of disrepair.
Long-Term Neglect and Community Impact
The situation at Baba Mangaldas Park reflects broader issues of public space management in urban areas. Residents report that the cattle issue has continued for years, with little to no action from authorities to restore the park's intended purpose. This neglect not only compromises safety but also diminishes the quality of life for the community, who rely on such spaces for leisure and social interaction.
As the park remains a hub for cattle grazing, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for timely maintenance and enforcement of public space regulations. The community's calls for repairs and better security measures highlight an urgent need to reclaim this vital recreational asset for its rightful users.
