BMC must ensure its gardens are safe for all

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It was a close shave for five senior citizens who narrowly escaped serious injury recently, when a gazebo-like seating structure suddenly collapsed at a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation-run garden in Sion East.

The ground-floor gazebo featured a galvanised iron frame topped with a heavy cement slab roof, which collapsed while the group was sitting underneath, our report stated. Even before emergency responders could arrive, bystanders rushed all injured residents to Sion Hospital. All five were stable.

The civic authorities need to undertake checks and thorough maintenance of the gardens they are looking after. This does not mean waking up only after an accident. It means being proactive and ensuring that the structures, installations, and seating areas are in good condition throughout the year.

It is even more important that checks take place pre-monsoon, as we see damage during this season especially. All equipment and facilities need to be able to withstand the vagaries of the weather, especially pouring rain and strong winds. More maintenance may be needed pre-monsoon in readiness for the upcoming season.

Our gardens may be usable in places, but there are parks where much needs to be done too. This edit space has highlighted broken equipment and dilapidated play areas in the children's section, stating that children can be easily injured on slides or swings.

Seating amenities need close attention and action. Parks are the little sanctuaries for seniors, especially for some precious me time/getaway time. Keep this in top shape.