Years of civic neglect has reduced Vivekanand Nagar's only major playground to an unusable space. Left with no option, residents escalated the matter to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, exposing glaring gaps in the city's upkeep of public sports infrastructure.
Residents highlight decay of once-bustling sports venue
In a strongly worded memorandum, the CTO Staff Cooperative Housing Society flagged the steady decay of the ground near a local Ram Mandir. The ground was once a bustling venue that hosted cricket and handball tournaments. Residents recalled that it was earlier equipped with floodlights, water supply and a functional seating gallery — amenities that made it a vital sporting hub for surrounding colonies.
Today, the same space stands abandoned and unsafe. "This is the only open recreation space for four to five colonies. Still, it has been completely neglected," said society secretary Vinay Nagdev.
NMC accused of failing maintenance
Residents allege that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has failed to carry out routine maintenance, allowing the ground to deteriorate unchecked. During monsoons, the area gets waterlogged, while deep potholes and uneven surfaces make it unfit for any sporting activity. Overgrown trees have encroached upon space, with branches interfering dangerously with overhead power lines. The absence of electricity and water supply has further reduced its usability.
Rise in anti-social activity adds to woes
The steady rise in anti-social activity has added to the woes of the locals. The dilapidated spectator stands, once filled with cheering crowds, have reportedly become gathering spots for anti-social elements. "No one dares to enter the ground after sunset. It has become a haven for anti-social elements," Nagdev said, pointing to repeated but ignored complaints.
Broader pattern of neglected public spaces
The episode has intensified criticism of civic authorities, particularly over the lack of preventive maintenance and delayed response to citizen grievances. Residents argue that the neglect reflects a broader pattern of shrinking and mismanaged public spaces across the city, depriving younger generations of safe recreational avenues.
Corporator assures corrective action
Corporator Tara Yadav admitted that the ground suffered during the period of administrative rule and assured corrective action. "We will conduct a site inspection and determine what can be done immediately and what requires formal proposals," she said, citing the revival of other gardens in the ward as precedent.
