Official Apathy Leaves Rajbagh Joggers Park in Ruins, Locals Decry Floriculture Department’s Neglect
Srinagar, Oct 26, KNT: Locals in Srinagar’s Rajbagh area have expressed deep resentment against the Floriculture Department for its continued indifference toward the deteriorating condition of the popular Joggers Park, which has been left defaced and unsafe for visitors. Despite repeated public appeals and media reports, the department has allegedly failed to initiate any visible restoration or maintenance work.
Once considered among the most frequented green spaces for morning and evening walkers, the Rajbagh Joggers Park now presents a picture of complete neglect. Large portions of the park have been dug up, pathways are damaged, and stray dogs have taken over much of the open space, making it unsafe for joggers, particularly women and elderly citizens.
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Locals said that their repeated pleas to the Floriculture Department for upkeep and fencing of the park have been ignored. “It seems the department has abandoned the park altogether. We have approached officials several times, but no one has taken the issue seriously,” said a local resident.
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They said that while the Floriculture Department is busy showcasing autumn flower gardens and organizing photo opportunities for tourists, it has done little to maintain local parks that serve daily public needs. “The department appears more interested in publicity-driven events than in safeguarding existing urban green spaces. Rajbagh Park is a glaring example of official apathy,” a civic activist remarked.
Locals alleged that stray animals have multiplied inside the park due to lack of supervision, making it unhygienic and dangerous. They added that despite several media reports highlighting the park’s condition, the Director Floriculture has yet to visit the site or order remedial measures.
“The authorities are in a deep slumber. The park has turned into a dumping ground, and no maintenance work is being carried out,” another local said.
They have urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene and direct the Floriculture Department to restore the park to its original condition and establish accountability for continued neglect. [KNT]
