Residents of Swawlambi Nagar in Nagpur's Prabhag 37 have expressed deep frustration over a public recreational space that they claim has turned into a hotspot for nuisance and anti-social activities. According to locals, the ground, which includes a children's skating area and a Maruti (Hanuman) temple, has been plagued by late-night drinking binges, public urination, garbage accumulation, and alleged obscene behavior, all attributed to alleged official apathy and lack of supervision.
Details of the Complaints
Residents allege that drunkards routinely gather at the ground until late at night, openly consuming alcohol on benches meant for children and parents. By morning, the premises are reportedly littered with broken liquor bottles, tobacco sachets, disposable cups, food waste, and soft drink cans. This has made it difficult for morning walkers, yoga enthusiasts, and families to use the space. The situation escalated recently when liquor bottles were allegedly found on the steps of the Maruti temple located within the ground premises, deeply offending the religious sentiments of the community.
Recurring Issues and Official Response
Citizens claim that public drinking and urination near the compound wall have become frequent, severely affecting the sanctity of the temple area and the safety of local families. Despite repeated complaints to police and civic authorities over the years, only temporary relief has been achieved. The ground, earlier maintained by Jeevanchhaya Society and now reportedly under the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), suffers from a lack of security, supervision, and regular maintenance. Residents further allege that the premises are frequently rented out for programs and commercial activities, after which garbage is left unattended for days.
Frustrated by inaction, residents formed a WhatsApp group to coordinate complaints with police, Nagpur Municipal Corporation officials, and traffic authorities. While sustained follow-ups temporarily improved cleanliness, anti-social activities and illegal dumping continue unabated. Residents have now pinned their hopes on newly elected women corporators to restore cleanliness, security, and dignity to the public ground and temple premises.
Action Taken
First-time corporator and law panel chairperson Nidhi Telgote raised the issue with city police on Tuesday. She stated, "I visited the skating ground and Maruti Mandir premises at Swawlambi Nagar along with DCP Rushikesh Reddy regarding complaints of late-night drinking, antisocial activities, and public nuisance in the area." DCP Reddy assured continuous monitoring and regular checks at grounds, open spaces, and public places across the prabhag to prevent such incidents and maintain safety and discipline.
