PANJIM: Observing ‘sad’ state of children’s parks in Goa, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) will soon be conducting an audit of such parks to oversee the maintenance, safety and security aspect.
In the meanwhile, the Commission, in a series of directions issued to the Directorate of Municipal Administration and Directorate of Panchayats, has asked to ensure that all the existing parks are covered with CCTV cameras to prevent crime and ensure safety of children and visitors.
The Commission undertook desk review through survey and few inspections that brought to light the sad state of children’s parks in Goa. It was alarming to note that large number of villages and municipalities exists with no such facilities for children and that the rights of the children to get a congenial atmosphere in these parks befitting their age and dignity is violated.
Hence, the Commission has recommended that every village panchayat/municipal council develops park for benefit of children. A plan to this effect from village panchayats and municipalities where such parks are non-existent should be submitted to the Commission within four weeks.
The Commission recommends that panchayats and municipal councils/corporation should provide for maintenance and upkeep of the parks, through philanthropic organizations, Zilla Parishad funds, MPLAD funds, etc.
“The Commission recommends that adequate security in the parks which controls the entry of anti-social elements which compromises the safety of the parks. CCTV cameras must be installed in parks to prevent crimes and ensure safety,” it said.
The Commission has requested general public to send complaints on the state of affairs of children’s parks.
