PANJIM: Neglected by the authorities concerned and due to the nuisance created by miscreants, popular as ‘family park’, Albamar Garden at Miramar is in complete shambles.
When O Heraldo team visited Albamar garden which is located near Dhempe College of Arts and Science, it was seen that the children play area is in shambles, the metal swing sets has been damaged and rusted, swinging climber ropes have worn out, large slide and play station also is in bad shape and some parts are broken.
Broken beer bottles were also seen in the play area which is a threat to children visiting the garden.
“To my knowledge the CCP is entrusted with the responsibility to maintain Albamar Garden, they have failed to maintain it. But you can’t blame the CCP totally. Miscreants enter the garden late evening and they smoke, drink, litter and create nuisance. The authorities concerned should act and this should stop,” Rekha Parab, a resident of Miramar said.
“The children’s playing equipment is broken by teenagers who climb on it to create Instagram reels. The benches are most of the time occupied by couples, and open consumption of liquor is a common sight nowadays,” Swapnil Naik, a resident of Miramar said.
Former mayor and senior-most councillor, Surendra Furtado said that the CCP has failed to maintain gardens meant for children and recreational activities.
“I have written to the CCP Mayor and the Commissioner in the recent past to maintain the city gardens but no action has been taken by the city corporation till date. Funds meant for maintaining gardens have been utilised for something else. We require a full time engineer and a dedicated team to look after the maintenance of gardens,” Furtado said.
Commenting on controlling nuisance created by miscreants, Furtado said, “When I was the mayor I had roped in a private security agency to keep a check on miscreants who enter these gardens and indulge in illegal activities. Today, nobody is bothered to deploy security guards. We need round the clock security in the gardens of the city.”
Councillor of the area Bento Lorena said that he has already requested the CCP to refurbish the Albamar Garden.
“To my knowledge the estimates for refurbishment of Albamar Garden has been prepared. I will follow up with the officials and ensure that the work begins soon. I am also of the opinion that there is a need to deploy security guards in gardens, I will speak to the Mayor on this and see what we can do,” Lorena said.
CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate was not available for comments.