One more nature’s glory turning to ruins
The once popular Rawal Dam Park — a true abode of nature — has nothing left to attract its visitors due to negligence of the concerned authorities, who have not conducted any maintenance work since the inception of the facility.
The park, adjacent to the newly built Lake View Park, was once the picnickers and nature lovers’ favourite spot due to its entirely natural setting and serene environment. The splashing water, walking tracks, a variety of picnic points, kids play area, animal rides and boating ventures were among a few major attractions.
But the situation has changed altogether now, with broken lights and benches, uneven paths, damaged road, litter strewn all around, overgrown bushes, encroachments and eve teasers, and has disappointed the visitors, especially those coming with families.
The visitors while visiting the facility criticised the authorities for not maintaining the natural recreational spot, which was among a few established during the 70s when there were hardly two or three picnic spots in the entire city. The Rawal Dam Park was built in the 1960s during the Gen Ayub Khan regime.
Sharing her nostalgic moments with this scribe, Sana Ahsan said the park was ‘the’ place to be, especially among youngsters, to hang out. “I still remember coming here for picnics during our student life amidst the lush green grass and crystal clear fountain water,” she said. Commenting on the spot appearing dead and buried, Sana said, “It is above my understanding as to why the authorities have such an ignorant attitude towards this wonderful spot, offering breathtaking surroundings.”
Highlighting the historic importance of the spot, M Shahrayar Khan said a little attention towards the spot could turn it into a major tourist attraction due to the presence of a centuries-old temple that has now been turned into a garbage-dumping site. “It seems as if the park authorities forgot the place after setting it up for the visitors,” said Khan.
Shahrayar said the old Banyan tree near the temple had been popular among the regular visitors, who used to sit there to sip hot tea with spicy ‘pakoras’ and ‘samosas’. “Now the tree surroundings have been changed altogether with overgrown bushes and usurped by construction materials, making it hard for one to enjoy the cool shade of the thick tree that was ideal in summers,” he said.
Yawar Mahmood, a park visitor, suggested the introduction of golf carts, animal rides, proper seating arrangement and an efficient system for cleanliness in order to attract more visitors. He was of the view that due to the lack of security measures, the spot has turned into a hub of eve teasers due to which families no more visiting the spot. “Groups of eve teasers, sitting on different spots, are often found harassing women by passing indecent comments,” he said adding that the absence of a proper lighting system is also facilitating these notorious fun seekers.
Executive Engineer Small Dam Organisations Abid Allauddin while talking to ‘The News’ conceded the dilapidated condition of the park and said it is actually the lack of funds that is causing the delay in the maintenance work of the Rawal Dam Park. “The maintenance work on the facility will start within a month under which lights, benches, fountains and paths will be repaired besides new facilities to be offered to the visitors,” he said.