Citizens express opinions on protecting city grounds

The State government's proposal to convert the historical Swaraj Maidan, into a park came with mixed responces by the denizens of the city. It is the only spacious historical grounds owned by the Public Works Department (PWD) for entertainment and recreational purposes.

The grounds are already occupied by residential quarters for the irrigation staff. The ground also is used as a market place and has the fire station. It has been a host to many historic meetings and annual exhibitions for several years now. Now with the residence of the Chief Minister in the vicinity the government wants to turn the ground into a park thus restricting visitors on security grounds.

Here are a few opinions of people from the people of the city who expressed their concern over preventing Swarajya Maidan from public use.

D Sowjanya, a marketing manager, said, “We want Vijayawada to be as it is and cannot imagine it turning into a concrete jungle. Swarjya Maidan is a prominent place and the government should leave it as it is.”

K Mani, a private employee at a salon, expressed her views saying that “PWD grounds is considered as the only viable place for people to go on walks, for children to play and it is the only open grounds located in the city which can accommodate public events. We request the government to take care of the burning issues and have it dealt with immediately”.

A Srilatha, a beautician, said “Even if government wants to take it over, there is no other substitute of PWD grounds in the city. Chief Minister can be located anywhere in the outskirts because he need not put up with the traffic woes that have increased in the city of late. For the reason that he has his camp office located in one of the busiest public places, he cannot relocate the existing rythu bazaar or even convert the ground, which is already partly encroached.’’

Dr Kella Sridevi said, “Yes it is a fact that there is no other alternative to that place, given its importance since decades. The Book fair that is one of the largest in India is going to come up and we are not sure if it would be allowed at the grounds this year. A few places are landmarks to the city that are known to many and one among them is the PWD grounds. It is better that the ground is left as it is.’'

K Sai Kumar, a private employee, said “We prefer to purchase vegetables at PWD Grounds market because of its proximity to city. It’s like a mini super market for us. But this exercise may not be possible if the government converts it into a park. We request the government to withdraw its proposal of shifting the market along with other establishments from the ground to develop it into a park.”

M Srinivas Rao, a business man, said “Youngsters are utilizing the premises to play cricket and hone their driving skills. We want the government roll back its moves and protect the interests of people.”

N Koti Reddy, Btech student said “From many years I have been playing cricket at Swarajya Maidhan every Sunday with my friends. I was told all of a sudden that the State Government has decided to make it is as high security zone with the effect of Chief Minister’s camp office nearby. The move to deprive the ground for construction of a new facility is not acceptable to us as we are hunting for other open spaces for playing during the weekends.”

P Naveen Kumar, a chartered accountant, said, “Instead of improving amenities at Rajiv Gandhi and Raghavaiah Parks, authorities are wasting resources on converting the PWD Grounds into a park. I opine that State Government should allocate adequate funds in developing parks in and around Vijayawada to provide entertainment for the denizens.”