Islamabad, the only planned city, famous for its large number of spots and public parks often crowded with visitors from other parts of the country particularly on special occasions, needs attention of the concerned authority.
The capital city has around 180 parks and playgrounds for recreational activities. However, the Capital Development Authority (CDA), with around 1,200 technical and non-technical staff for the purpose, has failed in maintenance of the parks.
A resident of Sector G-7, Ijaz Ahmad said, “Public parks in most of the areas including G-6, G-7, G-8, F-6 and F-7 including Fatima Jinnah Park, one of the largest parks of the country, are in poor condition with broken benches, lights, swings and jogging tracks.”
Finding a public toilet in the parks has always been a tough task for people and if toilets exist, they are in a deplorable condition, these unhygienic conditions, lack of water in the taps, and non-functioning of the flush systems force people to think twice before using them.
Akhtar Jamal, a regular visitor at Fatima Jinnah Park said, “Most of the parks and playgrounds are in shabby condition in the capital. The area is covered by greenery, with a few man-made structures dotting the landscape. Its dilapidated condition speaks volumes about the apathy of CDA officials”
The popular but it’s hard to reach recreational places are Murghzar Zoo, Pir Sohawa, Daman-e-Koh, F-9 Park, Shakerparian and Rawal Dam lake view Park.
The CDA has been earmarking a handsome budget for the sake of recreational facilities development but non-availability of public transport restricts a common man to take advantage of the facilities.
Atif Noor, a working Journalist at Islamabad said, “The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and Capital Development Authority (CDA) have failed in provision of public transport for the recreational sites
The facility of clean drinking water is also missing in most of the parks. After sunset, many wild animals are seen roaming in the parks too. The parks are thronged by revellers and junkies in the evening, making it impossible for families to enjoy.
Muhammad Uzair Khan, a resident hailing from Mardan said, “The government should extend the facility of parks to other cities of the country as well.” Mardan, the second largest and most developed district of the province has no public park.
Meanwhile, the visitors are often fleeced by vendors, who charge them exorbitantly for soft drinks and edibles. The price of a cup of tea is Rs 30 in most of the parks besides high entry, parking and other fees.
Akmal Khan, a resident of F-6/1 said, “The swings and other playing instruments installed at a park near his house had broken, posing a threat to children.” There was no one to replace or repair them, depriving his children and others of it.
The residents urged the CDA to take notice of the situation and expedite maintenance work for equipping the parks with facilities such as public transport, parking, toilets, and clean drinking water besides free entrance, and normal prices of edibles.
Member Environment, CDA, Mustafain Kazmi said, “The capital has the largest number and state-of-the-art parks. However, the allocation of funds is insufficient for renovation and provision of the required facilities.”
Moreover, the citizens also did not take ownership for utilizing the facility properly and maintaining the quality of instruments installed in the parks, he added.
