In an attempt to encourage fitness amongst Ranchiites and also help residents build a strong immunity system, Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has set up open gyms in eight parks of the State capital.

The open gyms are being set up upon the municipal commissioner’s initiative and will be open to the public once the State Government allows parks to reopen. As many as 15 different types of equipment installations have been set up at each spot.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has made everyone realise the importance of exercising to stay healthy. In order to inculcate this habit amongst the residents of the City, open gyms have been set up. Everybody cannot afford to go to Morabadi for a workout session. In this regard we are trying to provide people space for exercising at a place convenient for them. Residents like senior citizens and those who cannot afford a gym membership will now be able to enjoy these facilities being provided by RMC for free,” said Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar.

The gyms are being set up from the funds of Rajya Sabha MP Mukhar Abbas Naqvi. RMC has spent a total amount of Rs 74 lakh on the entire project.

The parks identified by the civic body include Bel Bagan Park, Sector 2 Dhurwa, HEC Park, Krishna Park Doranda, Children’s Park Morabadi, Classic Park Kanke road, Nigam Park in sector 6 and 7 in Harmu and one at Bariatu Housing Colony.

In future, the civic body also plans to come up with small scale set ups so that more people can benefit from it.

“Presently, the establishments that have been set up are relatively big. More such gyms will be set up across the City in the near future. As a part of this initiative all the wards will be covered under it,” added Kumar.