Neighbourhood park turns into dump yard

The park has immense potential as a living, thriving community space for residents of Langs Garden Road. Situated along a portion of the Cooum, wild bamboos dot the green expanse hugging the banks, competing with other plants. 

A narrow walking path meanders along the length of the park, peppered by benches. Sadly, garbage is dumped on parts of the path and even around the benches – making it unusable. 

The squalor is evident even from outside – debris dumped as far as the eye can see, and weeds growing wildly, peeping through the grilles of the outer wall. 

Most of the street lights were either broken or dysfunctional. 

Malini, a homemaker, who lives on a by-lane abutting the road, said that the park is often used by the children during summer – despite being in a dilapidated condition. “Most of the boys in the locality play here during their holidays in summer, from around 10 am to 5 pm. 

Despite the garbage being dumped and pathetic condition of the park, the children use it because they have nothing else to do during their vacations,” said Malini, adding that if the park is maintained well, it could be a space for not only the children but also people in the locality. 

Meanwhile, Sankar, a vendor selling tender coconuts outside the park, said that the community space has grown more and more decrepit since he started plying his trade in the locality two years ago. 

A senior Corporation official said that the park will soon be restored, as tenders have already been called for the work. “The park will be restored using Corporation’s capital funds, with facilities to make it a better space for the community,” added the official.