PANJIM: Broken garden benches, old swings, antiquated slides and ill-maintained play equipment – all neglected by authorities concerned at the Bhagwan Mahavir Bal Vihar Park at Campal in Panjim has disappointed both children, their parents and others who frequently visit the idyllic play area by the beach.
When O Heraldo team visited the garden, which is considered one of the oldest in the State’s capital city, it saw some benches were broken, children’s play equipment including the swinging climber ropes were worn out and slides were rusty too.
People who visit the garden regularly with their children have demanded proper upkeep of the park as it is unsafe and no more enjoyable.
“Bhagwan Mahavir Bal Vihar Park is lush green as plants and trees are taken good care by the Goa Forest Department, however they need to also provide proper and safe play equipment for children. We request the government to replace the equipment that is in bad shape and broken,” Maria Fernandes, a resident of St Inez said.
Ramnath Parab, a resident of Miramar, who regularly takes his grandson to this garden said that broken benches cause great inconvenience to the people particularly senior citizens like him.
“There are quite a few concrete benches that are broken. I request the authorities concerned to install new benches. There is hardly any outdoor place left in Panjim, this garden is beautiful and I feel that the government should do everything possible to maintain it,” Parab said.
Rajesh Naik, a resident of Miramar said, “Bhagwan Mahavir Bal Vihar Park is turning into a lovers point. Couple visit the garden area and behave inappropriately. There is a need for police patrolling in the area and if they are found behaving in a vulgar manner then necessary action should be taken against them.”
A senior official of the Goa Forest Department claimed that the garden is being maintained well.
“Maintenance of the garden is a continuous process, I agree that some of the play equipment and benches are not proper. We have ordered and it will be installed as soon as we receive it. We have already installed a few new play equipment,” the official said.
