BMC Gardens In Dire State; Authorities Indifferent!

It’s summer vacation and children, particularly school students, are heading towards their nearby gardens to relax and unwind their examination stress. However, students are disappointed at the pitiable condition of the BMC gardens in Mulund. Even the senior citizens who move out for a stroll in morning and evening to seek pleasure in the open ambience and green environment complain that the civic body turns a blind eye to the maintenance of these gardens.

Besides the lack of basic facilities, the gardens are not even safe. Recently, a 6-year-old girl was seriously injured as she fell down from the playground slide. The girl was so gravely injured that she was admitted in the ICU at a private hospital. Was it the mistake of the little girl or the negligence of the civic authorities?

It is a question worth pondering over. Hence, Home Times took a ‘reality check’ of all the civic gardens in Mulund West and East to examine how ‘safe’ and ‘citizen-friendly’ Mulund’s civic gardens are!!

 

Dr. Chintamani Dwarkanath Deshmukh Garden, Mulund East
Dr. Chintamani Garden is one of the most popular gardens of Mulund and is thronged by people not just from Mulund, but also from suburbs like Bhandup, Thane and Mumbra also who come to enjoy. The garden which was recently renovated is in admirable condition. The landscape is eye-catching and even the children’s section is attractive. The amusement equipment are in excellent condition. In addition, the open gym is also in excellent condition. The security of the garden is also well-maintained with 5-6 security guards on regular duty. In short, this garden is excellent both in terms of security and entertainment. The only drawback of the garden is that the people complain there is a lack of a public toilet within the premises of the garden.

 

Tarabai Modak Udyan, P.K. Road, Mulund West

This is the other attractive garden in Mulund. It is located close to Kalidas Hall and is thronged by a huge number of people. Though the garden is the favourite of many citizens, yet it has many drawbacks. Firstly, the security system of this garden is zero. Secondly, the garden has a concrete slide which is the favourite of children. Alas, the slide is quite old and is in a dilapidated state. It is on the verge of collapse. It can cause an accident. However, the tragedy is that there are no security guards to look after the children.

 

Lala Tulsiram Park, Devidayal Road, Mulund West
This park is the favourite of the people residing in and around Devidayal Road in Mulund West. The major attraction of this park is its Synthetic Music Track. People who come for jogging enjoy the melodious music which infuses in them a new vitality. In addition, the amusement equipment for children are in good condition. Hence, the garden is hugely popular, not just among Mulundkars but, being close to LBS Marg, people from the adjoining suburbs also come to enjoy. There are no drawbacks.

 

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, New Rahul Nagar, Mulund West

Located in Mulund Colony, this garden was renovated a few months back but it is in a pitiable state. Though the BMC T-Ward had made tall claims of providing a number of facilities but, alas, due to lack of proper maintenance the garden is in shambles. The playground amusement equipment like slide and rolling slide are in such pathetic condition that they could injure any child. Even the equipment brought for the open gym facilities are lying in a junk state.  In addition, the garden is also a den of goons who gamble and consume drugs and liquor.
In short, the garden is in a dire strait and needs immediate action by the civic authorities.

 

Sardar Pratap Singh Udyan, Yogi Hill, Mulund West

Popularly known as Cypress Garden, this garden is the popular de-stressing place for people living in Mulund Colony and Yogi Hill area. Located in the lap of the mountains and the lush greenery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the place has fresh and clean air. It also has many items for children like Mini Train, Sand, Rock Climbing, etc. However, the only drawback is that some amusement equipment of children like swing, see-saw, crossing, etc are lying damaged and broken.

 

Mithagar Udyan, Mulund East
The newly constructed garden at Mithagar is attracting Mulundkars. The eye-catching beauty of the garden by the side of a water pond is bewitching. Hence, many people come to take advantage and get relaxed. The security of the garden is also alert and keeps a hawk’s eye on unscrupulous elements. Though the garden is small in size, it is appealing to the people. The only drawback is that it has no amusement equipment for children hence parents are insisting to install children’s amusement equipment.

 

Vijay Garden, Mulund West

This civic garden is always in the news for the wrong reasons. However, the renovation of the garden and the construction of a toilet in the premises of the garden has brought relief to people who visit this garden.

Among the drawbacks, the amusement equipment for children in the garden are not removed. Secondly, a water cooler has been installed to provide cold water during summer but, alas, there is no water in the cooler!!! And, last but not the least, the menace of gambling by goons is still unsolved.

In conclusion, Mulund also termed as the ‘Heart of Mumbai’ has many civic gardens. But, it is also the duty of the citizens to use this public property with care and concern. On the other hand, it is the official duty of the civic body to maintain the gardens properly and take note of the lacking facilities and give best gardens to the citizens. After all, BMC gets its funds from the hard-earned money paid as taxes by Mumbaikars.

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