Civic agency’s apathy: Capital parks fast losing appeal

Lack of maintenance and missing facilities keep visitors away.

ISLAMABAD:

After a decline in the number of visitors at Marghazar Zoo, the federal capital’s two largest parks — Fatima Jinnah Park and Rose and Jasmine Garden — are also losing their appeal, thanks to the apathy of the civic agency.  

Water scarcity and absence of toilettes in addition to non-functional lights and security related issues are some of the reasons for this sorry state of affairs.

The Fatima Jinnah Park, spread over 170 acres of the whole F-9 sector, is littered with trash and its ramshackle jogging tracks, conked out swings, dysfunctional lights, decrepit benches and an uncultivated forest of bushes speak loads about the performance of Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) maintenance department.



“A large number of wild animals enter the park at dusk; endangering our safety,” said a visitor, Ali Ahsan.

Meanwhile, improvements in the Rose and Jasmine Garden and plantation of newer varieties of plants could turn the recreational facility into a hub of visitors wanting to spend time close to natural beauty.

The lack of a boundary wall and proper lighting are also keeping people away from the garden.

When contacted, CDA official said the authority is fully aware of the situation and is taking measures to provide all the facilities to the visitors.

Additionally, the security in-charge of parks at CDA said the department has been provided less security guards for the largest parks of the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2013.