Cuttack, June 22: The officials at the development authority and the municipal corporation have decided to revamp the infrastructure at various parks that have been lying in neglect here since long.

Sources said the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) would take up renovation projects and set up play equipment for kids at a number of parks.

At present, the authority manages seven parks here, including four at the satellite township and three at Mahanadi Vihar, while the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) runs the 36 other such facilities.

"We will start restoring the green cover inside the major parks, including those at the township and Mahanadi Vihar, in the first phase, at an estimated cost of Rs25 lakh," said CDA secretary Manaswini Sahu.

Sahu added that the funds had already arrived and the work was likely to start in August. The corporation plans to spend around Rs 22 lakh in the first phase of the project.

The development plans come in the wake of complaints regarding the absence of basic facilities including proper seats and adequate lights in most of the parks managed by the civic body.

"The parks are among the most important places for recreational activities. However, the corporation has failed to improve the infrastructure in them," said Tulasipur resident Kishore Patnaik.

Patnaik said the Gaurishankar Park at Choudhury Bazaar was in a bad shape as no steps had been taken to restore the grass cover inside it. Besides, there were absolutely no sitting arrangements on this ground and at the Saheed Park near Nuapatna. Apart from this, the entire pathway inside the Khannagar Park was damaged.

"Parks are a major source of recreation for the children and the senior citizens, who depend on public utilities more than others. But, we are facing problems due to the lack of necessary facilities such as benches, lights and drinking water," said Mahanadi Vihar resident Suprava Sahu.

A civic body official, however, said there had been problems in maintaining the parks due to the acute shortage of funds.

"We will conduct a detailed assessment of the shortcomings in all the parks and prepare a project for the restoration. The project reports will be sent to the government for funds approval," said A. Sridevi, chairperson of the CMC standing committee on parks and plantations.

Sridevi said the urban and housing development department had already sanctioned Rs 44.98 lakh for the restoration of green cover and overall development of the parks.