Residents of Ward 61 in Ludhiana are raising serious concerns over the deteriorating and hazardous condition of public parks in their area. What should be safe havens for recreation and leisure have transformed into potential danger zones, primarily due to extensive damage to boundary walls and protective grills.
A Landscape of Neglect and Danger
The situation is particularly alarming in parks located in key residential sectors, including Sector 32, 39, and 40. A visual inspection reveals a troubling scene: large sections of boundary walls have either collapsed or developed significant cracks. The iron grills, meant to secure the perimeter, are broken, bent, or missing entirely, leaving gaping holes.
This state of disrepair is not merely an eyesore but a direct threat to public safety. Children, who are the primary users of these parks, are at the highest risk of injury from sharp, protruding metal edges or from accidentally wandering out through the broken sections onto busy roads. The damaged infrastructure also makes the parks vulnerable to misuse after dark and compromises the security of the area.
Residents Voice Frustration, Await Official Action
Local citizens have expressed growing frustration with the apparent inaction of the civic authorities. They report that the condition of these parks has been worsening over time, with no visible efforts from the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) to initiate repairs or restoration work.
The neglect points to a larger issue of inadequate maintenance and oversight of public infrastructure in the ward. Residents argue that they pay their taxes with the expectation of basic civic amenities, including safe and well-kept recreational spaces. The current condition of the parks, they say, is a breach of that trust and a failure of the MC's fundamental responsibilities.
An Urgent Call for Civic Responsibility
The deteriorating parks in Ward 61 serve as a stark reminder of the need for proactive and regular maintenance of public utilities. The situation demands immediate intervention from the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation to prevent any unfortunate accidents.
Required actions include:
- Conducting a safety audit of all parks in the affected zones.
- Immediate repair or replacement of broken grills and damaged boundary walls.
- Establishing a regular inspection and maintenance schedule for all public parks to ensure long-term upkeep.
Until the authorities step up, these green spaces remain risky territories, denying residents, especially the young and elderly, their right to safe outdoor recreation. The ball is now in the court of the municipal officials to address these hazards and restore the parks to their intended purpose.
