JOIN USOnce upon a time, the City stood tall with verdant green spaces. That was when children grew up in parks and grown-ups spent as much time there. The new story is pretty grey with some parks disappearing and others turning into dumping grounds or forgotten spaces.
This is also a matter of concern as people now prefer spending time in malls than in the lap of nature. But one does hear cries for safe, well-maintained parks once in a way. Young people, who have an opinion on almost everything, are echoing the need to preserve the parks for posterity.
‘Fine’ way
Pooja Tiwari, a second-year student of The Oxford College of Arts, says that cleanliness is a lost concept in most parks. “They are dirty with plastic bags, used tea cups, paper plates and all sorts of waste lying around. The very feeling of the parks being our space is gone. This awareness needs to come from the elementary level; schools should imbibe these traits in the students. Also, a proper fine should be strictly enforced on
people who litter.”
Evergreen memories
Mahesh, a second-year student of The Oxford College of Management, says that his childhood memories are full of weekends or evenings at the parks. “I remember going out with friends and just chilling out at the parks. Even now, we go out as a family, with my nephews and nieces. It would be fun going out and playing games, doing outdoor activities or just relaxing and enjoying the greenery around. But parks are not a hotspot anymore.”
Time to adopt a park
Sheetal Singh, a first-year student of The Oxford College of Arts, says that the City’s residential associations should adopt the parks around them and do their share of maintaining them. “Every association can get the parks in their areas cleaned and maintain close ties with the local authorities to get the facilities in place. This would involve everyone at some or the other level, give everyone equal importance and make it a community project.”
Safety at stake?
Omram, a second-year student of Dayananda Sagar College, says that many people find the parks in the City unsafe. “Apart from Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, most other parks in the City don’t have guards or security officials around the area. There are many illicit activities happening in hidden spaces in the parks. This acts as a deterrent in families coming to the parks. There should be police patrolling in the parks, just in case of emergencies. Also, there should be some way of keeping a check on the people who enter these parks.”
More activities, more awareness
Teja, a second-year student of The Oxford College of Arts, says that there should be more environment-friendly events. “I see different activities like barefoot running, marathons and cycling events near and inside the parks, happening around the weekends. More schools and colleges should conduct activities in the parks, which will make everyone notice the condition of the parks and think about it. Such events can bring more awareness among people.”