Administration turns blind eye to Sant Surdas Udyan

Sant Surdas Smarak Udyan located in Sector-8 near Sihi village is a prime example of government''s negligence. Built in 1999 by HUDA, the park was named after Kavi Surdas. The visitors who frequent the park daily complain of lack of maintenance by the authorities. The benches in the park are broken, the lights do not function and moreover the wall of the park from one side is broken.A temporary fencing has been done to restrict the entry of stray animals but it is not enough to keep them off the park.
"The maintenance of the park is nil. There is no cleanliness and rubbish can be seen lying on the grass, which has not be mowed for months," says V.P. Sharma, retired stationmaster and a resident of House No.148, Sector-8.
It is not the end of visitor''s woes. During rains water accumulates in the low-lying area of the park and takes the shape of a pond. "The accumulated water blocks the entry from one side and people have to take a long route to enter the park," laments a retired Air Force officer J.S. Yadav, who resides in House No.558, Sector-8.
The recent incident involving the death of three children in the accumulated water has amply highlighted the apathy of maintenance agency. The bodies of three children named Manjeet Singh (12 years), Dipendar (10 years) from nearby Bhagat Singh Colony and Shakti Singh (11 years) of Subhash Colony were found floating in the accumulated water. Drowning is cited as the main reason behind it.
Talking to Faridabad Plus, Captain Shakti Singh, state officer, HUDA, said, "The incident is shocking. As the area is not levelled properly the water stagnates there. We are waiting for dry spell to level the area."
On fencing and beautification of parks in the city, Dr Prem Chandra Verma, administrator,
HUDA, said that it has planned to involve RWAs of various sectors in maintaining parks.
"Work has already been started in Sector 30 and 31 on an experiment basis in that direction," he said.
"Shortage of funds is another handicap in the maintenance of the parks. To generate revenue HUDA has decided to put up hoardings in the parks and green belts. Talks with the advertisers are in process," added Dr. Verma. It remains to be seen whether the plans will ever be executed or will remain only a piped dream.