mid-day editorial: Can't handle children's safety with kid gloves

Recently, this paper carried two reports about children's parks in the city. One of them put the spotlight on a renovation project at the Kamla Nehru Park in Malabar Hill, opposite the Hanging Gardens

Recently, this paper carried two reports about children's parks in the city. One of them put the spotlight on a renovation project at the Kamla Nehru Park in Malabar Hill, opposite the Hanging Gardens.

The garden, best known for its Old Woman's Shoe, is reportedly going to become greener after the overhaul, said the authorities, citing March 2018 as their deadline for the same. Those in charge claim the revamp will put added stress on the 'child' factor. Every piece of infra in the park will be themed after nursery rhymes and trees in the park will also get educational signage for the kids.

ADVERTISEMENT

While the changes are welcome, one hopes that the two children's gardens near this park - one is actually for special children - open soon. The Kamla Nehru Park revamp must also factor in safety and security of the children, with adequate guards and at least a modicum of medical equipment with those in charge, in case of a mishap.

The other report on parks put the focus on children's safety in these spaces. The report said that the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of a six-year-old, who fell off a pony at the Cooperage garden recently, and asked BMC's garden department to submit a list of parameters as per which horse riding is allowed in the garden and what safety measures are taken. The commission has sought this information regarding all children's parks in the city.

We must start seeing action on safety measures in parks, instead of having reports being bandied around, and shifting blame from one person to the other. Let every children's park have basic security measures; a first-aid box in the local office is a good first step. Make authorities accountable for safety.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!