Rana Umair
Kachnar Park, once an attraction for young and old greenery seeking souls of the federal capital, is in a shambles, thanks to the ignorance of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
Public parks are essential for children’s recreation, adults and olds to spend their quality time to reinvigorate. In summer, it’s a place to avoid the scorching heat of the sun and sit under the shade of a tree to relax. To enjoy all this, parks need to be well maintained and cleaned, but this is not the case with CDA’s Kachnar Park. This park is one of the biggest parks in Islamabad located along the Islamabad Highway. A large number of people visit the park every day, but they are disappointed because of the spread of waste in different parts of the park. Inside the park, there is a waterway which is blocked by the waste and the standing water emits a very bad odour. The bridge constructed over it is not being maintained either and is in a dilapidated condition.
Muhammad Karim, a permanent visitor said, “I live in I-8 sector and our family visits this park on a daily basis. It’s the only nearby park available to the residents of I-8. I feel repulsed by seeing waste and broken bridge at this park; the authorities need to improve the state of the jogging track along with the surroundings”.
Raza Khan, a laborer at a nearby shop said, “In summer it’s too hot, I usually come here to take a short nap. Waste and a lack of proper maintenance of the park has taken away the common man’s cheap relaxation”.
James, another citizen said, “Kachnar Park is in the immediate neighborhood for my kids to enjoy themselves. Authorities need to improve the playing facilities in the park.”
Speaking to Pakistan Today the CDA spokesperson of CDA said, “Parks are one of the key priorities for CDA. I will contact the departments concerned and will report back soon.”
