Punjab: Ludhiana’s 800 public parks are worth visiting in the city, but one problem is that children are not allowed to play in them. This reporter visited every park in the city and found boards everywhere that read, “Playing cricket and football and cycling in the park is strictly prohibited.” A board put up by the park maintenance committee also prohibits “bringing any kind of ball inside the park.” When MC commissioner Aditya Dachalwal was asked about “announcements” prohibiting children from playing in parks, he denied issuing any such orders. He said park maintenance committees can issue these orders themselves. “If the safety of visitors is ensured, children can play in parks,” Dachalwal said. When asked where children should go if they are prohibited from playing in parks, Ludhiana North MLA Madan Lal Bagga said, “A big sports park is being built for children in the North assembly constituency. Cricket pitches, volleyball nets, badminton and basketball courts are also being built there.” With lights installed in the sports park, children will be able to play in the evenings as well. The construction work is almost complete and the facility will be handed over to residents in two weeks. Despite several attempts to contact Mayor Inderjit Kaur, she was nowhere to be found. Due to lack of proper playgrounds, children are forced to play in lanes or roads, leaving them vulnerable to accidents. They are also at risk from stray dogs and cattle while playing in the open. More than 80 per cent of the 800 parks in the city are managed by park maintenance committees. City officials acknowledge the problem, but argue that parks should not be used as playgrounds. However, this explanation raises doubts about the city’s planning priorities.
A gardener employed at a park in BRS Nagar said children are not allowed to play cricket, football or volleyball in the park as it may damage flowers and plants. “I have been told by the park maintenance committee not to allow children to play sports that may harm plants,” he said, adding that cycling can also damage the grass. “Children can play badminton or other sports that do not harm the plants or flowers,” he said. A park in Gurdev Nagar has built special enclosures with nets and grills to protect the plants so that children can play any sports without harming the flora. Harry, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, whose children were recently prevented from playing football in a park, said the authorities should integrate playgrounds into existing parks or find unused land for development as sports facilities. He said parks should cater to both passive and active recreation, ensuring children have access to a safe and stimulating outdoor environment.
