I would like to bring to the notice of Margao Municipal Council the poor condition of the two public parks in Aquem, Margao; One opposite Costa Factory and other near Power House.
These parks have sadly fallen into a miserable state due to the utter neglect ever since they were built. Public parks are indispensable necessities in the current times. Kids are very fond of parks. It is not only a park for them, but a community meeting place for children as well as their parents where their friends and kids meet up and enjoy their moments.
Swings, slides, merry-go-rounds have always been a big attraction for the kids. This is one of the ways every parent encourages their children to go out and play. As everyone knows, in an era of digital media, it has been a challenge to inculcate children in healthy physical activities. The pathetic condition of these parks has deprived them joy of playing outdoor games, which can affect physical growth and development adversely of the children living in the vicinity.
Elderly and the aged are far worse off; they too have no place where they can go and sit peacefully. It is a sorry state that these two children parks which have been built under the guidance of the Margao MLA with facilities for the public have been neglected and falling into disrepair.
Huge amount of money has been spent on building and landscaping these parks and setting up the facilities. Thus, it is sad to see the parks go to waste because of neglect and bad maintenance by the local council.
The workers assigned to keep the parks clean are not to be seen since years. I doubt if they were ever assigned though. Children are not seen in the parks as there is no place left to play, both the parks look haunted covered with huge wild bushes and trees.
Furthermore, the playground equipment is broken and rusting away due to neglect. Sadly, these facilities are just left to rot.
Due to negligence of the authorities, both these parks have become more of a nuisance than a facility. It is time that these beautiful neighbourhood parks are maintained before they are destroyed completely. Margao Municipality Council must be employed to patrol these parks and also other parks within the jurisdiction to ensure they are properly maintained and the public must adhere to the rules and regulations on the use of the parks.
