Work on to give parks in Amritsar a facelift

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 5

In the first phase, 14 parks would be redeveloped in the city under the Smart City project. These parks were identified in different parts of the city, as these had been in a pathetic condition for quite some time. Majith Mandi Park, Shakti Nagar Chowk Park, Shakti Nagar Tanki Wali Park, Hukmchand Park in Chheharta, Hargobindpura Park and Kalgidhar Gurudwara Park were the worst among these parks.

Now, under the Smart City Mission, these parks are being developed with walkways, gazebos, benches, open gym equipment, children''s swings, dustbins, boundary walls, horticulture work, water systems for plants and low energy consumption and LED lights are also being installed.

Surinder Saini, who runs a photography shop near Shakti Nagar Chowk Park, said: “The condition of the 40-year-old park was very poor. There was a long pending demand of residents that the condition of this park, which has been turned into a pile of garbage, should be improved. Earlier, people used to throw garbage here and also bathe in the park. But now, it has improved a lot.”

Vijay Kumar, who has been selling tea for the last 22 years near Majith Mandi Park, said: “Earlier, empty drums used to keep lying inside the park, where residents used to dump garbage, which used to raise a lot of stink. Now, the park has been beautified,” he said.

Komal Mittal, CEO of Smart City, said: “These parks are being developed at a cost of Rs3.70 crore and the contractor will also maintain these parks for three years at the same cost. The work was affected due to the lockdown, but now the work is going on at a full swing. Almost 90 per cent work has been completed in five parks and the work of the remaining parks will also be completed by November.”

She said the support of residents was very important to maintain parks. People living around the parks can help the MC in looking after these parks by forming associations or committees.

Open Gym equipment along with all other facilities are being provided in all parks being developed under the Smart City. People living nearby can use it to keep themselves healthy.

“In the second phase, 25 such parks have been identified in five Assembly constituencies of the city, whose condition is still very bad. The detail project reports have been prepared and their tenders will also be floated within next 10 days,” said Komal Mittal, CEO, Smart City Mission.