Neglected & forgotten Nurpur’s children park suffers civic fade

Nurpur’s main children’s park, named ‘Angel and Vihan Children Park’ and located in Ward No. 2, has become a symbol of civic neglect and poor maintenance by the Municipal Council (MC). Once a lively spot filled with children and senior citizens in the mornings and evenings, the park is now plagued by overgrown weeds, broken benches and a growing presence of stray animals.

Residents of Ward No. 2 say the park, locally known as ‘Sukha Talab Ground’, is no longer safe or inviting. “Children who used to play here have plugged the broken entry gate with a damaged swing and iron bench to prevent stray animals from entering,” said Praveen, a local resident. Others, including Sushma, Ajay, Poonam, Manisha and Udit, echoed concerns, stating that the deteriorating condition has forced people to avoid the park altogether.

The park was developed in 2016-17 following the efforts of the then local MLA, Ajay Mahajan. The MC had invested lakhs of rupees to make it a multi-use public space, complete with two entry gates, a pedestrian walkway, swings, open-air gym equipment, colourful dustbins and well-maintained green grass. One of its unique aspects was its dual purpose – besides being a recreation spot, it also served as a venue for community events such as marriages, bhandaras and the annual Ram Leela, for which a cemented stage had been constructed.

Today, that same park presents a dismal picture. The small entry gate has been broken for over a month, but repeated appeals by residents to the MC authorities and even the Vice Chairperson of the MC – elected from this very ward in December 2020 – have yielded no results. Iron benches lie buried under thick weeds, while stray animals freely roam the grounds.

The situation has sparked outrage among locals who believe the park is essential not just for children but also for the elderly and community gatherings. They demand immediate repair and regular upkeep of the space.

When contacted, Asha Verma, Executive Officer, MC Nurpur, confirmed that she had directed the Junior Engineer to carry out necessary repairs. However, residents remain skeptical and say the words must now translate into visible action.

While other parks in Nurpur have also seen similar neglect despite large public investments, the state of Angel and Vihan Children Park stands as a stark reminder of the need for sustained civic responsibility and community engagement.

Himachal Tribune