Open public spaces developed as gardens are lungs for the environmental recreational purpose for the public at large where children can play and senior citizens can share their time with friends. Most of the towns and city will have public gardens that may be listed as places tourists must visit.
A few years ago, Panjim had vibrant gardens around to name a few, Municipal garden opposite Hindu Pharmacy, Altinho, Campal, near old Red Rosary School, near Taleigao Community Hall, Nagali, Caranzalem, Caranzalem Beach. It was a pleasant sightseeing the spaces full with kids enjoying in the evening and even mid afternoon.
Today, most of them are in dilapidated condition, only few namely Ambedkar Park near Kadamba bus stand is in good condition. Time has come to refurbish them, make them abuzz again. Now, as monsoon is approaching, is the right time.
The redeveloped parks can have varieties of local trees bordering the periphery, a corner for children with installation that can be apparently for playing but actually helping in their muscle building, a walkway around for morning or evening walk, a central lawn for varieties of purpose including yoga session early morning or evening or even free public programmes.
Surely, these gardens must be under one or other authorities for stopping encroachment. They must take urgent steps for their redevelopments. Each space can have a separate theme to make it iconic depending on its location and expected footfall.
Like some parks near residential areas may be developed taking children into consideration and have swings, see-saws etc, the park near the beach may have a platform where some cultural shows can be performed, some gardens may have more varieties of trees that are vanishing or threaten. Many towns have developed even a butterfly park.
There are many expert horticulturalists, architects who can guide on this. The funding may be generated by allowing some private company, bank etc to place their advertisement boards at one or two places following due process of approval.
As we know, the extreme heat has arrived this year in March itself, a sign of global warming? Not sure, but apparently, the trend may continue and to mitigate such effects, actions must be initiated now.
