Landscaped gardens, paved pathways and fun swings - Ranchi's children will finally get three new play zones that were built around two years ago but had been kept under lock and key.
On Tuesday, Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) will throw open the three community-cum-children's parks - all called Nigam Park - in Argora and Harmu. State urban development minister C.P. Singh, along with mayor Asha Lakra and deputy mayor Sanjeev Vijayvargiya, will do the honours in the presence of civic body officials.
All the three parks - one in ward No. 37 (Harmu) and the other two in ward No. 29 (Argora) - are very identical. They are equipped with swings, benches, walking trails and manicured gardens.
"I had raised the matter during the recent board meeting after which the inauguration date was finalised. The ready green zones were gathering dust in the absence of any activity. As I represent this area (Harmu), it was becoming difficult for me to answer my people," said councillor of ward No. 37 A.K. Jha.
Built on six kathas, the Harmu park is around 70ft long and 30ft wide.
"A couple of swings will be fitted soon. This is basically for children, though people of all age groups can spend time and fitness freaks can do their share of exercise in the morning too. With playing grounds shrinking, we need parks in every colony," Jha added.
Of the two other green lungs in Argora, one is in Basant Vihar and the other near former chief minister Hemant Soren's residence.
RMC councillor of ward No. 29 Pradip Kumar said, "The parks had turned ugly due to lack of maintenance. Over the last couple of days, they were spruced up with whitewash. We have also installed night lights."
Though the exact amount spent to build the green zones could not be ascertained, local councillors said it was something between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh per park.
The RMC has built more than a dozen Nigam Parks across the capital with the twin aim of restoring the city's green space and giving more hangout options to citizens.
Unfortunately, most parks are falling prey to poor upkeep and are out of bounds for the public. Nigam Parks near Raj Bhavan, Bada Talab and Morabadi are some of the glaring examples.
However, Jha added, the civic body was working out plans to depute people at all the new parks to ensure their daily operations.
