Srinagar, Nov 2: The government’s development narrative in Kashmir faces a reality check as public parks within Srinagar’s residential areas deteriorate into improvised playgrounds, highlighting a growing crisis in urban recreational spaces.
Four years after a significant administrative shift that transferred 140 parks from the Floriculture Department to Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), these once-vibrant public spaces paint a picture of neglect. The core issue? A severe staffing shortage has left just 22 workers struggling to maintain these vast recreational areas.
“Initially, we had only 13 employees managing all these parks. Though we’ve recently added nine more workers, bringing the total to 22, it’s nowhere near enough,” revealed a senior SMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Managing 140 parks across Srinagar with such limited manpower is practically impossible. We need at least dozens more workers to restore these spaces to their former glory.”
The impact of this understaffing is visible across the city. Local residents report that these parks, once havens of greenery and relaxation, have transformed into informal sports grounds. “These spaces used to be well-maintained gardens where families could spend quality time. Now they’ve become makeshift cricket and football fields for local children,” said Nazir Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar.
The contrast between past and present management is stark. Under the Floriculture Department, these parks received year-round attention and maintenance. The transfer to SMC, however, marked the beginning of their decline, with insufficient resources and manpower leading to gradual deterioration.
Residents are now vocal about their preferences. “Either return these parks to the Floriculture Department or provide SMC with adequate resources,” demanded Mohammad Shafi, a local community leader. “We can’t watch these public spaces, which are crucial for our community’s wellbeing, turn into ruins.”
The situation raises serious questions about administrative decisions and resource allocation in urban development projects. As children continue to play cricket and football in these unkempt spaces, the government’s development claims face increasing scrutiny from a public yearning for well-maintained recreational areas.
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