Public Garden at Dhokali Left in a Shambles, Closed for Over a Year for ‘Repair’

07 August, 2018

Thane : A well-appointed sprawling public garden next to the Nandibaba temple, Dhokali continues be in a state of chronic neglect by the civic administration here has been closed for all recreation activities for over a year now, inviting bitter criticism of the goings-on in the TMC headquarters.

Inaugurated in January 2012, the Nandibaba garden, which boasts of artificial animal replicas, mini water fountains, colourful benches, a jogging/walking track and a wooden bridge over a small pond, was a popular spot for the children and families residing in the high-rise towers.

"The park was like an oasis amidst the concrete mess. It was very well done with waterfalls, artificial animals and lush landscapes and was a big hit with the children. I would take my 2-year-old in the garden every evening. Initially the park was functioning on a regular basis but four months later everything went for a toss. The opening and closing timings were erratic, the upkeep was not good and then for the last one year they have simply closed the gates for all: complained Dhokali resident Tanya Shah.

Most residents said the neglect of the public garden is indication of a lack of child-friendly policy by the TMC administration, especially in the places where towers are standing tall and all open space is occupied for car parking.

Citizens here also raised questions about the administrations 'double-standards' on creating more public gardens and pointed out that, "On one hand the municipal commissioner has started an open garden at Pokhran Road-2 and also underneath the flyover across Nitin Company. However, a similar green infrastructure, where huge public money has been spent, is lying in a state of utter neglect. Neither local corportor Sanjay Bhoir nor civic officials seem to be eager to provide the basic to the citizens."

The TMC officialdom claimed that the Nandibaba garden has been closed `just seven months back' for repairs.

"We have shut the public garden for safety reasons. The main entrance park gate fell and so we had to close it till repair are carried out. We will inspect the garden," said a civic official.

"The park was built for people It will be restored as soon as possible: said Bhoir.

The park was like an oasis amidst the concrete mess. It was very well done with waterfalls, artificial animals and lush landscapes. Initially the park was functioning regularly but four months later everything went for a toss. The timings were erratic and then for the last one year they have simply closed the gates

 

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com