Mumbai: No walk in the park, this!

The broken wall at Joggers Park in Chikuwadi

Public parks in Borivli West are not being maintained despite the filing of complaints by citizens. When mid-day visited three such gardens on Thursday, they were in a shambles with garbage and debris strewn everywhere. Visitors say these open spaces are maintained well only during festivals like Navratri.

Suryakant Gaikwad, president of the Chikuwadi Residents Welfare Association

The retaining wall of Joggers Park in Chikuwadi collapsed around three months ago, said a resident. The garden department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) used grills to keep the area secure but the wall hasn't been repaired despite complaints. Suryakant Gaikwad, the president of the Chikuwadi Residents Welfare Association, said, "The wall fell due to heavy rainfall. We filed a complaint on July 7, but the authorities haven't taken any action yet."

He added, "The authorities do not clean the garden. We have to hire someone from outside to keep our park clean." Another such ground is at MHB Colony, which was dotted by trash. A resident said, "BMC cleaners are supposed to keep the ground spick and span." This reporter noticed youngsters practising football as well as a few mini cricket pitches on the ground. Mihir Joshi, a footballer, said, "There is garbage everywhere which makes it difficult for us to play.

When we gather here to practise as well as play matches. We first have to collect the garbage and then start playing, which is a waste of time. If we don't clean up, there is always a risk of slipping on plastic bags and wrappers." Another resident said, "We even see broken glass bottles on the ground, which can cause injuries."

The MHB Colony ground's gates, which lack signboards

A Chikuwadi resident said, "Navratri preparations begin a month before the festival. Other than that time of the year, the grass is rarely cut and the park is not maintained. Off-season, this park is used for playing cricket and football by youngsters."

Trash on MHB Colony ground

Also, both parks did not have signboards, which could cause confusion for people not residing in the locality and the residents expressed concerns about the same. When mid-day informed Hemant Patil, assistant superintendent of the garden department, he said, "The broken wall at Joggers Park will be repaired soon by the ward maintenance department."

He added, "For the signboards, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development has issued an NOC for the use of the MP's fund." BMC officials were mum about the garbage spotted in the gardens.

July 7
Day Chikuwadi residents complained about wall