Broken swings in park at zoo could turn laughter to tears for children

LUCKNOW: When Aryan Tripathi, 8, went up a slide in the children’s park at zoo, little did his mother know that he would rush back crying.

“A ladder of the slide was broken and a sharp corner injured my leg. It was very scary,” said Aryan in tears.


Like him, several children who visit the park risk injuries on the damaged swings and play equipment there.

Though Lucknow zoo is one of the oldest in the country and very popular, the children’s playing area is not a pleasant sight. From slides to merry-go-round, most swings are broken or have missing parts, posing serious harm to children. Sanjay Sharma, on a visit to zoo from Delhi, said, “The swings are in poor condition. I have to constantly keep an eye on my child.”


Naseerullah Ahmed, a regular visitor, said the children’s area has been in neglect ever since he was a student.

Shivani Sharma, whose child had a narrow escape while climbing a swing, said, “Instead of fixed arms, loose ropes have been tied to swings. Some others have loose bolts.”

Zoo director RK Singh said that children up to the age of 12 years are allowed to enjoy swings in the park but teenagers and adults also use equipment, which in damages them.

“Zoo authorities are planning to repair and install new swings within a week or two. But civic sense is required on the part of the visitors too since playing equipment is only for children,” he said.