While cities across India are replicating most beautifully developed see-through parks in the world, the civic guardians of the Capital City seem to be less interested in demolishing walls of the walled parks of the city. While see-through parks and places such as Ramdayal Munda Park and Audrey House give a pleasant view to passersby, parks like Sido Kanhu, Rock Garden and Zakir Hussain look like jails from outside.
Ironically, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) and State Forest Department authorities are not only disinterested to convert the walled parks into see-through parks, but also appear not interested in keeping the beauty of see through parks intact.
High rise walls around city parks are taking their beauty away and giving ample chance to couples and love birds to get indulged in explicit activities, authorities seem to deny seeing anything away from revenue angle which these walled parks have been generating. Even the RMC has covered some see through parks with advertisement boards snatching their natural beauty. Meanwhile, the Forest Development Corporation is considering installing Closed Circuit TV Cameras in walled parks like Sidho Kanhu.
“I am a regular visitor to this park (Ramdayal Munda) just because of two reasons. It gives me a feeling of freedom here, as I already come after getting tired in my walled home, completely cut out of the nature. I feel rejuvenated in flowers and herbs around while sitting on lush green grass. Secondly, I can see around, can see what is happening on the other side of the road and it makes me feel connected to the rest of the world,” said one Satyendra Prasad, a retired person visiting the park.
Deputy Mayor of the city Sanjeev Vijayvargeeya reiterated the same fact stressing upon the need for some drives, campaigns to create awareness among young couples in the future. “I am actually fed up with proposing demolishing walls of walled parks time and again. Though, we do not have any plans for a campaign or any such things as of now but we would soon want to do something to curb this menace,” he said.
“Winters are the best season for jogging or taking a sun bath in public parks with our children. But in walled parks like Sidho Kanhu or Rock Garden, we are left with almost no or less options for such day picnics because of these indecent youngsters who come here and indulge in such obscene activities. I believe authorities must demolish walls of the park so that at least passer-by stop for a moment and get relaxed there,” said Mahendra Singh, a local resident.
But authorities not only appear to have attained immunity with such demands, but they also appear sheer careless in protecting the natural beauty of see through parks in the city. “As recently as last month, boundaries of Ramdayal Munda Park and Children’s park were seen flooded with hoardings and banners of different parties and Student Unions. The parks were just hidden behind those and authorities had no time to look into it or remove those banners,” said Prasad.
However, authorities have their own say as usual. “Walled parks have their distinct features. People sitting inside don’t get distracted by passer-by while relaxing or playing with kids. They also don’t have to worry about their kids, as kids can’t go out. And then, these parks are revenue generators also,” said Director of Forest Development Corporation Ratnakar Singh.