BASURI DESAI
With hardly any outdoor place left by the Mandovi River to breathe in fresh air in the heart of the Panjim city, the Bhagwan Mahavir Children’s Park was the only place where kids and parents frequented in weekends and vacations. However, the park is now full of love birds where people come on dates with their lovers.
The second Children’s Park at Caranzalem, which is in worst condition, is a day-time lovers’ point and night-time party point. The unfortunate picture of both the parks in Panjim not only portrays a very wrong image for the kids but also embarrasses them when they visit the park to play and pass their leisure time.
Panjim park is being maintained by the security personnel of the Forest Department while nuisance continues day and night at the Caranzalem Park despite a security guard at the site.
Children’s Park of Panjim is a sprawling green space for kids and features many attractions, especially to families with kids. On the riverside or around its lawns you can spend a whole day picnicking with the children.
“We have been visiting this place since years, but now the kids are also growing and taking them at a place where the couples are involved in indecent acts, and this is not advisable”, said Sushma Veluskar, a resident of Altinho-Panjim.
Another resident of Taleigao has a similar complaint and said that most of the couples have been spotted carrying out indecent acts or even heated arguments and altercations.
“I feel there should be more security personnel posted at the park, the present security system falls short. Couples visiting the park is not a problem but indulging in weird acts is not tolerable”, Amresh Chodankar said.
The Caranzalem Park is also located in one of the best spots near the sea shore. Parents with children can enjoy an evening out in the park as well as on the beach.
“We find lot of broken bottles every day. We often come here in the park and in the evening the park is being frequented by young boys and girls who are seen sipping beer from the bottles,” said Freddy Ferrao, a resident of Panjim.
The park is in very bad condition but the Corporation City of Panjim (CCP) which is maintaining the park has informed that the renovation and repairs would be taken up shortly. Panjim Police Inspector Siddhant Shirodkar has appealed to parents visiting both the parks to make a call to Police on 100 (toll free police helpline) or call directly the Police Station.
He has informed that PCR vans are posted in the vicinity of both the parks.
“We will keep a watch over such illegal activities and complaints would be addressed in no time”, he said.
