The dilapidated Netaji Subash Chandra Bose park at Gandamunda in Bhubaneswar holds little appeal for local residents. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 27: Both wildlife and domestic animals turn to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose park in Gandamunda for leisurely strolls and power naps in the sunshine. For humans, however, the park with overgrown bushes, which harbour poisonous snakes and serve as fodder for cattle, holds little appeal.

Sources said the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has plans to take up renovation of the park but only after a dedicated water supply scheme is successfully implemented.

“Water pipes have been laid near the park and we have provided land for laying the pipes. Once the pipe-laying work is completed, we will tell the Public Health Engineering Organisation to provide us with surplus water which will be used for the maintenance of the park,” said A.N. Dhar, the chief horticulturist of BDA.

Spread over 17 acres of prime land, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Park could have been a great spot for recreation and exercise. But unkempt lawns, a damaged jogging track, unclean surroundings and poor lighting have made it unappealing. The absence of a boundary wall on one side of the park makes it easily accessible to cattle.

Established in 1998, the authorities once had plans of installing a statue of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose with a fountain around it. “But now the entire park is covered with wild bushes that harbour snakes and other small reptiles,” said local resident Ashis Routray.

Local residents said that once the road connecting Siripur and Gandamunda was closed for airport runway expansion, development work of the park was completely stopped.

“For several years we found no work being undertaken here. We hardly go to the place. It is not worth visiting. It is not opened regularly, as the lone security guard opens it according to his whim,” said Routray.

BDA officials said the development work had to be stopped because of lack of water facilities. The officials admitted indifference to be a reason why the park was in shambles.

“A fountain and music systems were installed. But these are not working due to lack of care,” said an official.

Local councillor (ward No. 30) Hrudaya Ballabh Samantaray said he had earlier tried to make BDA officials focus on the development of the park, but his efforts went in vain.

“It will be a welcome step if the park is renovated. The authorities should start the work as early as possible,” he said.

Dhar said the BDA had grand plans for the park. “This time we will make family picnic spots in the park. A tree house will be built. The musical fountain will also be renovated. Pathways will be built and a lighting system will be set up,” he said.

“Once the water problem is resolved, we will plan a budget for the renovation work and it will start very soon,” said a BDA official.