By sunset, anti-social elements make Nalgonda parks in Telangana their dens

NALGONDA: Despite collecting taxes, municipal officials in Nalgonda have repeatedly failed to provide and maintain green spaces in the town. The town, which has 40 wards and a population of 2 lakh, has only two parks, Ramnagar Park and Rajiv Park, under the administration of the municipality. Municipal officials cite lack of funds as the reason for the dismal condition of the parks.

In addition to that, there is a need for about 30 workers in Ramnagar Park and for 20 for Rajiv Park for maintenance. But the government has not sanctioned the posts. On top of it, municipal authorities are outsourcing workers appointed for sanitation work. Without being watered regularly, trees are drying up. There are complaints from citizens that illegal activities take place in the parks during evenings. Some of the outsourced workers allegedly turn a blind eye to such activities if their palms are greased.

Residents, who have stopped visiting the parks, demand security and regular supervision of the parks. Speaking with Express, municipal in-charge commissioner Venkateshwarlu said they were maintaining municipal parks with whatever funds available. The government had given permission to the municipality call tenders for developing another seven parks, he added.