Srinagar, Aug 12: At a time when the City colonies are craving for vacant land to have public parks, the government seems to planning to bring an end the facility at places which have well maintained parks with a variety of ornamental plants. This is what is feared to come true at-least in Chanapora area of the south City where a picturesque park is likely to be converted into a community hall.
 The residents of Lal Nagar Chanapora have strongly reacted to what they said government’s proposal to construct community hall at the park in the area.
  “We have come to know that some people are misinforming the esteemed government that the people residing near the said park want a marriage hall be constructed there,” the residents said.
 They said Floriculture department has spend lakhs of rupees on the park established in 1986.
 “The park has lot of ornamental plants, trees, nursery and beautiful green grass. For construction of any building there, all the plants and trees will  have to uprooted,” the residents complained.
 Besides they said the park was no less than a picnic spot of them.
 “The park is used by young and old for morning walk, jogging and exercise. Besides it’s a recreational point for the kids,” they added.
 “The park is even used for offering Nimaz-e-Jinazah by people   of the surrounding areas as there is no other alternative space available,” they added.
 Besides the locals said the construction of any community hall would be a breach into their privacy.
 “Moreover there’s no space for parking of vehicles in the area. Construction of any community hall will lead to more of traffic congestion and also be a cause of road accidents,” the locals said.
 Sources in the Housing and Urban Development department confirmed that the government plans to convert the park into community hall.
 “Recently the local MLA visited the area and expressed his willingness to construct a park there,” said a senior official of the department requesting not to be named.
 He said even though the park could be constructed elsewhere, the government is reluctant to construct the community hall at the roadside even though it could further the traffic mess in the area.
 Meanwhile the locals appealed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally look into the matter.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST