From community hubs to neglected wastelands, Jammu’s parks in peril

Heritage to hazard is the untold story of Rani Park Talab

JAMMU: In the historic city of Jammu, many parks that once served as vital community spaces are now in a state of neglect, either reduced to dumping grounds for household waste or left vulnerable to encroachment without administrative oversight.
This decline not only undermines their aesthetic and recreational value but also raises serious environmental and social concerns.
The few parks that remain accessible within the densely populated confines of old Jammu fail to offer a welcoming ambiance. These parks, often frequented by elderly residents and children from neighboring mohallas, are now crowded by residential constructions that have eroded their open charm.
“With rapid construction, parks that used to be spacious and ideal for fresh air have shrunk into small, square plots of land,” explains Upainder Krishen, a 72-year-old resident of Mohalla Rehari. He highlights another grim reality—these parks have become hotspots for drug abuse among youth, further diminishing their purpose as community spaces. One such example is Rana Rajinder Singh Park, which lies adjacent to Rehari.
Similarly, Sarwal Talab Park at Rehari Chungi faces its own challenges. Situated on elevated ground and surrounded by residential houses, the park suffers from poor maintenance. Waste from choked drains is often dumped nearby by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), posing serious health hazards to the local community.
“We have repeatedly requested the authorities, including JMC and the parks department, to clean and beautify the park, but nothing has been done,” laments Virendra Gupta, a local resident. In response, a group of morning walkers has taken matters into their own hands, pooling funds occasionally to maintain the grass and keep the park tidy.
The historic Rani Park Talab, which once held cultural significance as a bathing pond for queens during the princely era, has not been spared either. The pond was filled and converted into a park, but it now stands encroached on all sides.
Its frontage is occupied by vegetable and fruit vendors, while small eateries and kiosks have sprung up along its perimeter, further eroding its heritage value. Despite its central location, connecting areas like Kachhi Chawni, Moti Bazaar, Parade Ground, and the Vegetable Market, the park fails to reflect its historical importance.
Other parks hidden deep within the old city, accessible only through narrow lanes, are in no better condition. These open spaces are often unfenced and poorly maintained, serving more as venues for community events like weddings than as recreational areas. “These parks are essentially just open grounds used for ceremonies by the local mohallas,” remarks Inder Kumar, a resident of Panjtirthi.
The neglect of Jammu’s parks highlights a pressing need for administrative action and community engagement. Restoring these spaces to their former glory would not only enhance the city’s livability but also preserve its historical and cultural essence.
For now, however, the parks remain trapped in a cycle of misuse and disregard, reflecting the broader challenges of urban management in the old city.

Updated On 12/26/2024 2:59:18 AM