Parks in Islamabad in poor shape

MCI has no immediate plan to revamp recreational facilities in federal capital

Islamabad

The Municipal Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) has no immediate plans to carryout major revamping of public parks and sport facilities in the federal capital.

Majority of public parks in Islamabad have been in poor shape for the last over few years requiring attention of MCI and Union Councils under it who are responsible for taking care of recreational facilities in the city and surrounding areas.

The chairmen of various union councils from both opposition and treasury benches have also lodged strong protests against deterioration of public parks and non-provision of such facilities in rural areas. Out of 202 parks, only 12 exist in rural areas.

The protest of UC chairmen was mainly focused on non provision of parks in rural areas but most of them did not know that condition of parks in urban areas has deteriorated over the last few years as well.

All the public parks in Islamabad were renovated and revamped along with creation of more parks and playing areas were created during tenure of the then CDA chairman Kamran Lashari. Following introduction of the Local Government system in Islamabad, the whole environment wing along with parks was devolved to MCI.

However, the MCI and some previous managements of CDA have not fulfilled their responsibility with regard to upkeep of public facilities.

Majority of parks are in shambles with broken swings, slides and fencing grills and gates while there is also proper mechanism for maintenance of these facilities.

Malik Mushtaq, a resident of Sector I-9/4 of Islamabad said that about 10 years back, sports area was developed at an open space. However, with deterioration of the facility the sports area, which also have basketball court is wearing a deserted look. He said the basketball court is now being for cricket lovers.

He said a small public park near class three shopping area is also in poor shape due to negligence of those responsible for its upkeep. He felt that it does not cost much to maintain park on day to day basis.

A senior official of the Environment Wing told ‘The News’ any major allocation for revamping of public parks would be made in the budget for the next financial year.

However, he said a case has been prepared which would be executed with approval of the Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz.

Director General Environment Sheikh Suleman said that under the plan, the finance wing would allocated Rs100,000 to Rs200,000 each on public parks. However, he admitted that the meagre amount is not sufficient for maintenance and repair of parks.