Kukatpally: HUDA Park an adda for lumpen elements

Kukatpally: The Asbestos Colony HUDA Park has become a den for anti-social activities, with both officials and the police turning a blind eye to the happenings there. Adding to it, the park is filled with uncleared garbage disposed of by the locals in the last six months. The residents from nearby localities seldom visit the park as it lacks basic facilities that are a must in the park.

None seem to be bothered about cleaning and taking care of the park, lament locals, while speaking to The Hans India. They point out that officials were providing only lip service like spending lakhs of rupees for the upkeep of the park, but in reality, they have been neglecting the works to be taken up for maintaining the park.

As a result, the park, which was used for morning walk by about 100 people of the Asbestos Colony, Ramakrishnanagar and Pragatinagar, has now become a 'adda' for drunkards and lumpen people who are seen loitering, sleeping, playing cards and drinking. No wonder the park is full of liquor and soda bottles, broken glasses and garbage as it lacks proper security, say residents. 'We are being forced to put up with inconvenience because of the prevailing conditions there'. They fear stepping over broken glass pieces while undertaking walks," said irate locals.

The residents expressed anguish that the park once used by all for walking and relaxation had become a den for anti-social elements. "Local goons are having a gala time, with the police turning a blind eye to the happenings in the park," they fumed.

Alleging that garbage had piled up in the park because of non-clearance, the residents said that to get rid of waste the sanitation workers resorted to burning of garbage releasing smoke and causing inconvenience to residents and park visitors. They point out that the drainage pipeline passing through the park is adding to the problems of people, as leakages turn park into muddy area making it difficult to tread or walk in the park.

A resident of Papireddynagar, Sampath Reddy, told THI that people are avoiding visiting the park along with children due to non-maintenance. Also there are no equipment for children to play. Referring to the park timings between 5 am and 9.30 pm, he says it is closed at 8.30 pm, making it convenient for drunkards to enter.

Dr Rakesh of Papireddynagar 14 B Block expressed anguish over the deterioration of the park because of lack of proper official supervision. It was once a good place for recreational activities for families to spend quality time.