Islamabad - Parks and playgrounds in federal capital need attention of the concerned authorities to make them clean and attractive places for visitors.
The only planned city of the country is famous for its large number of resorts and public parks. However, due to large number of visitors from other parts of the country, particularly on special occasions, condition of these parks and playgrounds becomes poor which need regular attention for maintenance by the concerned authorities.
According to a senior official of Capital Development Authority (CDA), there are 175 public parks and playgrounds in Islamabad whereas over 1,200-strong staff is deployed for keeping these parks clean and green.
A resident of Sector I-10, Khizar Hayat said, “Public parks in majority of areas including 1-10, I-9, I-8, F-6 and F-7 and G-6 are in poor condition with broken benches, lights, swings and uneven walking tracks.”
Finding a public toilet in the parks has always been a hard task for people and if toilets exist, they are in deplorable condition.
Umar Hayat, a regular visitor of Fatima Jinnah Park, said, “Most of the parks and playgrounds are in appalling condition. The area is covered by greenery. Its decaying condition speaks volumes about the lack of interest of CDA officials”.
The facility of clean drinking water is also missing in most of the parks. After sunset, many wild animals are seen roaming in the parks. The parks are thronged by junkies in the evening, making it impossible for families to enjoy.
Meanwhile, the visitors are often fleeced by vendors, who charge them high for soft drinks and edibles. The price of a cup of tea is Rs30 in most of the parks besides high entry and parking fees.
Abbas Chohan, a resident of F-11/1, said, “Swings and other playing instruments installed at a park near his house had broken, posing a threat to children.” There was no one to replace or repair them.
The residents urged the CDA to take notice of the situation and speed up maintenance work for equipping the parks with facilities such as public transport, parking, toilets, and clean drinking water besides free entrance, and normal prices of edibles.
When contacted, a senior official said, “The capital has the largest number of parks. However, the allocation of funds is insufficient for renovation and provision of the required facilities.” Moreover, he called upon the residents to also help government in maintaining public facilities by taking much care of such facilities while using them.