KARACHI:
Public parks provide spaces for individuals of all ages to engage in recreational activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. They offer a sanctuary from the noise and congestion of urban areas, allowing residents to connect with nature and rejuvenate their spirits. These spaces foster community interaction, bringing people together and promoting social cohesion.
They play a vital role in environmental conservation. Parks serve as habitats for diverse plant and animal species contributing to biodiversity preservation. They also act as green lungs, purifying the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They help mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing temperatures and improving overall air quality. Unfortunately, encroachment by private developers, inadequate maintenance and funding, and the loss of green spaces to urban expansion poses significant challenges. Resultantly, these parks face degradation, diminished accessibility, and even complete loss.
To address these issues, local governments and communities must prioritise the preservation and maintenance of public parks. Adequate funding should be allocated to ensure regular maintenance, including landscaping, waste management, and infrastructure repairs. Stringent regulations should be enforced to protect parks from encroachment and inappropriate development. Collaborations with corporations, nonprofits and community organisations can bring additional resources, expertise, and community engagement to support conservation efforts. Education and public awareness also play a critical role in preservation. Our public parks are invaluable assets that contribute to the well-being of our communities and the environment. Therefore, we should preserve and enhance these spaces for future generations.
Minahil Saif
Rawalpindi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2023.
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