Daily Times

KARACHI: The former Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan on 08-Oct-2013 had inaugurated renovated Gulshan-e-Jinnah (Polo Ground) and had announced the status for family park for it. The park is spread on a 20 acres of land which was reconstructed with a cost of Rs170 million.

In spite of having 20 gardeners’ one supervisor and six security persons the park has been neglected to an extent which has totally turned it into shambles.

We have complained many to the police that people have been damaging the property and the structure of the park but they ignore all our complaints saying that we do not get not involved in such matters informed one of the gardener who was sitting on the grass adding that I am supervisor of this park and this is my duty to look after it.

The historical importance was considered in designing of this park which includes: central door which is compatible to neighboring country’s China’s architecture, external wall was also constructed on the same design whereas stone canopies and lamps were installed in park; stone benches, corridors, vast lawn, lighting tower, modern musical fountains 1.1km long jogging-track, green fields and recreation facilities for children have been ruined due to the constant ignorance of the management.

The public come and damage the property as per their own wishes, shared one of the gardener who wished to keep anonymity continued saying that they even cannot stop them as the gardeners have been beaten up many times by the public of the area when they prohibit them to damage the property.” We have no any other choice than to be a silent spectacular”, he regretted.

The supervisor of the garden, who seemed very cautious and was worried about the destruction of the park, requesting on anonymity told that thousands of saplings were planted in the park and various species of plants and trees which had flowers on them for 12 months were planted. “I have nurtured a variety of seasonal flowers but would not plant those until and unless I am ensured for their safety.” I had put my utmost efforts on flowering at the entrance side of the park but all the flowers were plucked and ruined by the public”, another gardener added.

Due to the absence of security the park has become a den for drug-users.” We just look after the park from 2 pm to 10 pm, said the gate keeper adding that I only get my daily wages I do not know much what is going on . According to many people in the park a lot of people among most of them living in Police lines across the park simply jump in the walls instead of using the gates and restore to boozing late at night with out any hindrenece.

One of the boys who comes here for playing cricket has informed that many people illegally get made their own tickets using the name of KMC and sit outside another gate of the park and make money by charging Rs.10 from children and Rs.20 from adult persons. “There is no system of checking here, he added.

Ahtasham, who was playing cricket in the park, told that the park was in better condition as it had Palm and coconut trees which were cut by the management.” They never used to allow anyone to play cricket and football”, intervened another boy, Mohsin saying that it must be renovated to beautify the city. The gates are open 24 hours without hindrance therefore we come here to play; otherwise we would be playing in the streets.

When Director General of Parks, Afaque Mirza was contacted to get his version on the deterring condition of the park, he refused to talk and turned off his phone.