JVR Park a picture of utter neglect

Banjara Hills: The footfalls at Jalagam Vengal Rao Park which is popularly known as JVR Park is drastically falling due to several issues. Complaints by the daily visitors and locals have been piling up for the past two months, but no action has been initiated by the authorities concerned. Dysfunctional water tanker and broken safety grills around the lake are the major complaints of the visitors among many.

"We come to park monthly once to give children some free time. The safety iron grills around the lake are broken posing a grave threat to lives. My son Khaleem almost fell into the lake in an attempt to catch a ball while playing with his friends. Because of this, we do not let go children play freely inside the park. GHMC immediately need to address the issue for safety of the children," says Ayeesha Begum, a visitor.

Speaking to The Hans India, Prassana Kumar, GHMC official, said, "We are trying our best to keep the park neat and clean. The greenery and cleanliness of the park are maintained perfectly, but the unattended debris on the walkway must be monitored by other concerned departments."

About the stink emanating from the lake, he said it was due to water contamination and was giving rise to mosquito population which would be solved soon. The park spread over 10 acres is manned by 16 security guards and 13 maintenance staff and every employee of the park was putting their best efforts, he added.

JVR Park has a footfall of 1,500 visitors and 500 regular walkers every day and generates a revenue of Rs 5,000 per day. Visitors complain about the poorly maintained washrooms and the broken doors, while the daily walkers complain about the mosquitoes and bugs.

Poor lighting in the park is also an issue as people may fall into lake through broken safety grills, says Shasha, a graduate from Siddartha College. "The GHMC officials need to repair drinking water supply tank at the centre of the park to provide free water facility to all," said Radhika, MBA student, Shiv Shivani Institute.

Toilets are not usable and there is no drinking water facility for the park users. The equipment in the play area are partially broken and needs to be repaired, says a family from AS Rao Nagar. The number of benches in the park should be increased to accommodate most of the visitors, says Jhansi, a Housewife.