CDA Turns a Blind Eye to City’s Deteriorating Parks

[Salman]

Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) unconcerned attitude towards the parks in the capital city shows truth about their embellishing efforts in Islamabad. It seems like parks and play grounds are at bottom of their priority list.

Their claims to beautify the city are exposed by the dilapidated condition of the largest park in the city. Fatima Jinnah Park is commonly known as F-9 Park, spreads over 750 acres of land. However, only 240 acres have been developed including the jogging track, swings, lights and benches.

Only a few years ago, the park used to attract a large number of visitors on daily basis, due to its calm atmosphere but now the situation is totally changed. Swings, lights and benches have been broken down and the jogging track has potholes and overgrown weeds due to management’s ignorance. The wild bushes and overgrown weeds give an eerie forest look to the park.

A visitor said that there was no arrangement of drinking water in the park. She suggested that park should at least have drinking water, fountains and a cafeteria. The visitor further asked the CDA officials to take serious steps for restoring the park to its original form.