During the day they are beautiful. But at night they turn into dens of vice. Sometimes one wonders if the lack of many of these places has been purposely kept without lights so that such activities can happen.
From about a dozen big and small gardens and parks, quite a few of them have earned a reputation for being places that see nefarious activities like prostitution, substance abuse added to couples trying to find some time alone are rampant as soon as the sun sets. The two places – Ambedkar garden and Mahavir garden are especially known for such doings – and there is no supervision at all of these places.
AMBEDKAR GARDEN: The scene at nights is different than what is usually seen during the day. Even as a security guard is deployed round the clock, the garden is filled with garbage by those people who use this place to sleep during the night. Fitness conscious people come here for morning walks only to see filth around and at times, people seen sleeping on the benches. What makes the situation worse is that a few interstate buses drop off their passengers in front of the garden’s main gate. Many of them spend their time at the garden before leaving for their respective visiting spots, leaving behind garbage. This invites a number of dogs risking safety of the people.
The MAHAVIR GARDEN (former Children’s Park): Again, low on maintenance. The park was and is still infamous for allowing anti social elements and love birds. Located opposite the Panjim market, the venue is mostly buzzing during the International Film Festival of India but at other times other ‘affairs’ are on.
Both gardens have seen acts of vandalism too.
