As one walks past the garbage-strewn, encroached entrance, barking dogs, crumbling shops and broken liquor bottles welcome one to this decade-old women-only Parda Bagh in central Delhi’s Darya Ganj area. Still, the determined burqa-clad women pass a horde of leering rickshaw-pullers, just to get a brief break from their veils and catch-up with their lady friends.
However, it’s not easy to access this little haven that has been dedicated to the women of this Muslim-dominated area and many obstacles must be passed before they can even step inside. The Pioneer decided to check on the condition of the park after getting complaints from the women and was appalled at the state of affairs.
As one heads towards the park one finds the rickshaw pullers bathing right outside the park gate making it embarrassing for the women who are forced to pass them if they have to have access to this green lung in one of the most congested places in central Delhi. While some are cooking, cutting vegetables on the adjoining street, others are found sound asleep on their rickshaws, almost blocking the gate. One can also find their clothes hanging on the gate of the park and the fences surrounding it, making it an unpleasant sight.
Talking about the change in the park over the years, one of the regular visitors said, “I’ve been visiting this place for the past ten years. There is no women-only park in the area so despite everything, this is my only option and I feel comfortable here as I can take off my burqa and exercise in peace. But, it has grown from bad to worse over the years and to add to our troubles now these people have basically taken over the entrance. I don’t feel safe here anymore.”
Talk to the rickshaw-pullers and this is what they have to say: “We have been living here for over two years now, besides not many people visit here. We are asked to shift only on special occasions like Republic Day, otherwise this is pretty much like home.” The moment one enters, the place seems owned by hungry stray dogs, who through no fault of their own, know nothing better but to scare visitors - often for food or to hold on to their one place of comfort. The joggers, however, have no other option but to walk with a stick. It is like both the neglected sections are fighting to hold their ground.
The unkempt pavements and unmowed grass don’t really make anything easier. Broken and empty liquor bottles thrown from nearby buildings lie strewn all over the park. Basically, everything in there is shouting for attention and maintenance, but like other areas in old Delhi, this park too is rotting away in a neglected location that no one is willing to take charge of.
As the name suggests, the Parda Bagh was constructed only for the comfort of veiled women and to provide a mode to earn a living for those in need. But, now the handicraft shops, that were once the central attraction of monthly fairs held in the park, have been turned into trash storage sheds for the workers. Yes, there are workers here but most of them are found either sleeping in the makeshift shelters or busy sifting through whatever trash anybody leaves. Still, if you try to contact the officer concerned, he is unavailable for comment.
