Mohali parks are in a shambles

MOHALI: The musical fountain system costing Rs 14 lakh installed in Kargil Park in Sector 71 that was set up in 2009-10 has been lying neglected for long. Also, four other parks that carry such fountains are facing a similar situation. The Musical Fountain Park is the only park in town that boasts of a facility of rhythmic music and lights facility, and was once a popular place for evening walkers and recreational activities. Neither Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) nor the Mohali municipal corporation is taking responsibility to maintain these parks. There are a total of 556 parks in town of which, 109 parks are maintained by resident welfare associations for which GMADA is paying the welfare associations Rs 1.67 per square feet.

This means that out of 556 parks, the private company was supposed to look after the remaining 447 parks, to preservation plantation, stop stray animals from entering the parks, and also check waterlogging issues. Though Rs 4.5 crore was allotted for developmental works, condition of parks has remained mostly unchanged. GMADA XEN Navjot Singh, who is responsible for maintenance, said: "We are ensuring a proper care of these parks but wild growth of shrubs is quicker in monsoon. Debris and garbage dumped is parks would be removed and defaulters would be heavily fined. I shall send a team to clean up the parks as soon as possible."

A GMADA worker said that railings installed on the boundaries of the parks are taken apart mostly by residents who try to make an easy entry instead of using the gates. A resident of Phase II, Atul Sharma, who goes for regular walks, said: "Old swings are decaying and the metal corners of these are so sharp and can easily bruise anybody. I barely come across any good lighting system in any park. Fountains do not work and algae grows everywhere on the base, and stagnant water also becomes a problem." This contaminated water has become a haven for mosquitoes.

President of Phase II resident welfare association Atul Sharma said: "Our several requests to GMADA officials to clean these parks have gone unanswered. Leaves scattered around block the sewerage system and waterlogging problems increase manifold."