An unsafe children’s ride at Biju Patnaik Park in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 20: The children's rides at Biju Patnaik Park (formerly called Forest Park) are lying in utter neglect. Though authorities of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) have assured to address the issue on many occasions, no action has been taken so far.

As rides such as the merry-go-round, swings and slides lie broken, those in use are overcrowded on holidays. Thus, a large number of children are deprived of using the facility. The park has a high footfall of around 5,000 everyday, around 500-1,000 of which are children. However, children are discouraged about visiting the park again because of the pathetic condition of the rides.

Ajitesh Krishna, a 10-year-old boy from Balasore, who came to the park today along with his parents, was unhappy with the maintenance of the rides. “The park was one of the well-maintained ones and many people come here in to enjoy themselves evening. However, it seems that the authorities have forgotten all about children’s interests, as many rides are not in a working state. While both the merry-go-rounds are broken, ducks and horses are not seen on many rides and the supporting handles are missing, making them dangerous for children,’’ he said.

Sanjukta Nayak, a teacher who often visits the park with the children from her playschool, said: “Earlier, the children’s enclosure inside the Biju Patnaik Park was a nice place for students to have a good time. But with many rides lying broken, the kids are not happy. The slides are also broken, and in many places, the fibre structures have holes large enough to injure the children. We have informed the caretakers and park guards, but no one seems to takes things seriously.’’

Social activist Nilamadhab Sahoo, who is a regular visitor at the park, said: “The authorities should regularly check the condition of the rides. Otherwise, it may lead to accidents involving children.’’

There are more than 50 parks in Bhubaneswar. However, their facilities differ according to size and location. Only five parks have areas where kids below 12 years can play. While the major parks are under the BDA, small colony parks are managed by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and one major park is under the control of the Regional Plant Resource Centre. Biju Patnaik Park has all facilities such as walking and jogging tracks, a children’s play area and a huge fountain.

BDA chief horticulturist, Ashok N. Dhar, said: “Though the horticulture department is responsible for the overall beautification of parks, the rides are maintained by the Division III of the engineering wing.’’

A senior engineer of the maintenance wing, however, said: “The rides are frequently getting mechanical problems as on many occasions it is seen that though children below 12 years are allowed to use the rides, grown-ups are also using them. On many occasions the park guards are told to ask the grown-ups not to use the rides, but people should also behave responsibly.’’ He, however, added that the manufacturer of the rides would be asked to carry out repair work immediately.

A guard employed by BDA said: “The swings are used by grown-ups. When we ask them to vacate them, they do not listen to us. The board near the enclosure clearly states that the rides are not to be used by those who are above 12 years, but nobody cares.’’ However, another visitor added that the BDA was supposed to ensure the safety of the rides.