The lone children’s park in Valpoi town, near the Kadamba bus stand, is turning into a place where anti-social elements meet, rather than where children run and play in. If the negligence towards its upkeep continues, this park will soon exist only in name, leading to locals calling for its immediate upkeep.
The park was developed during the term of the earlier Congress government and over Rs 1 crore was spent on it, but children, for whom this park was meant have not enjoyed single day in it, due to the negligence from the authorities.
“Since there is no other park for children in Valpoi town, this park requires urgent attention,” local resident Mangaldas Shirodkar said. He said that from the day it was opened, children have not been able to enjoy the park, nor have senior citizens been able to use the walking track.
The park, develop by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) is maintained by the Kadamba Transport Corporation. Its upkeep requires urgent attention if children are to enjoy playing there. Some of the playing structures that are made of metal have rusted leading to the possibility of hurting children who play on them.
Currently, the park doors are shut to children because of some risks, but anti-social activities thrive in the area, especially at night. Locals say that the lack of security to the park has led to it becoming an area for antisocial activities.
Another resident, Ganasham Banavikar claimed that the park is essential for children to spend time in the evenings, as there is nothing else for them in the town.
Valpoi Municipal Council chairperson Ramdas Shirodkar demanded that the government seriously look into the matter as it involves children’s enjoyment. “Valpoi is also a part of the State but it is far away from the hi-tech development that the rest of the State is seeing,” he said.
