Despite the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation allocating Rs 39 crore for park repair and maintenance in 2024-25, most of its 162 public gardens, including crematorium grounds, scenic gardens, children’s play areas, and lake parks, are in various states of decay
A broken slide lies unused at Sunshine Garden in Nalasopara
Once celebrated as the green lungs of Vasai-Virar, the city’s gardens and parks have now withered due to neglect.
Despite the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation allocating Rs 39 crore for park repair and maintenance in 2024-25, most of its 162 public gardens, including crematorium grounds, scenic gardens, children’s play areas, and lake parks, are in various states of decay. Several residents added that children are using the broken equipment as they have no other space for play and recreation. Seniors also use these places because they have nowhere else to go. A major concern is dim or nonexistent lighting, which creates serious safety issues in the parks.
Civic officials insisted that work is underway. They also said that not every garden is in poor shape. While some parks may be in decent shape, we wish authorities would avoid the jargon and placatory statements and get cracking on the work needed.
In a city where open spaces are few and far between, every park or garden is sacrosanct. Ideally, decay must be attested even before it sets in with equipment not allowed to rust and fall apart. The downslide must be stopped at an early stage. In fact, quality must be ensured at inception, and a comprehensive look – staff, security, lighting, and maintenance worked out at the beginning.
We need these places as they are necessary not just for our physical well-being but our mental health. Today, we have a lot of stress on the mental aspect. A top Indian woman cricketer courageously spoke about fragile mental health post the World Cup win. These parks give an opportunity to free the mind, revel in the outdoors and in a crowded, dense city with families too jostling for space, allow us time and me time. Recognise their value as assets in our infrastructure for citizens.
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