Park in dire straits due to severe fund crunch

Golconda: The Deccan Park, abutting the Seven Tombs, which were reopened after much hype by MAUD Minister K Taraka Rama Rao in 2017, has slowly turned into a poorly maintained facility. Officials have cited prioritizing of the on-going developmental works as the reason for the shoddy maintenance of the park.

Let alone the defunct amusement equipment, the lack of basic amenities at the park like clean toilets and accumulation of rainwater have turned the park into mosquito breeding ground, which has become an clear instance of projects linked to fund-strapped Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA).

According to sources, the fees collected from the visitors would not even support the paying of electricity bills, let alone the maintenance or salaries to the regular and contract employees of QQSUDA. "Yes, it is correct that we charge fees, but it is not enough even for the electricity bills. How can you expect to maintain to the mark," quipped one of the employees.

The visitors run the paid park, spread around 20-acres of land. It witnesses hundreds of visitors daily, and the visitors double during the weekends. However, many are amused by the site of the defunct amenities of boating, water fountain, toy train and other amenities. Even the toilets remain ill-maintained. "Water is stored in drum, as no tap is working. Toilets remain in apathetic condition," said Md Yousuf, a visitor.

Recently, one of the contract employees was found in an inebriated state. When The Hans India brought it to the notice of higher-ups, he was immediately sent home. "If an employee on duty is in drunken state, you can imagine the state of affairs of the facility," said Farhana Begum, visitor.

The Hans India also found alcohol bottles in the nearby garbage container vindicating that at least one of the employees was drunk during the office hours.

"Since developmental works are being taken up like parking area, amphitheatre, funds are not being spent on regular maintenance. While adhering to the norms, the QQSUDA, in coordination with tourism department, is coming up with works, which are sanctioned by Central government," said M Lalitha, assistant director at QQSUDA.