Jindal park, sports complex in Yamunanagar present picture of neglect

Yamunanagar: The O P Jindal Park and adjoining sports complex in Yamunanagar have become a haven for drug addicts due to lack of security and maintenance. The park is maintained by Om Prakash Jindal Gramin Jan Kalyan Sanstha (OPJGJKS) and the sports complex by the Guru Nanak Khalsa College. There is a small lake in the park where visitors can go boating, but are not provided life jackets for the same in a violation of safety code.

During a visit to the facilities, TOI found that the sports complex was waterlogged and wild grass was growing in the grounds. The space was being used by drug addicts. Two men were spotted drinking in the park in broad daylight.

Sources said, recently some children, aged around 12-13 years, were seen boating without any supervision or life jackets. Some CCTV cameras at the entrance of the park were also non-functional.

When contacted, the manager of the O P Jindal park, Suresh said, “The park is maintained by our organisation. The only source of our income is from the vehicles parked here and the people visiting the lake. All the maintenance cost of the park is borne by our organisation. The sports complex was handed over to the Guru Nanak Khalsa College.”

When questioned about lack of safety measures at the lake, he said, “We have life jackets, but most of the people do not wear them.”

Principal of Guru Nanak Khalsa College, H S Kang said they had taken over the maintenance last year. “After we took over, we realized that there is no electricity or water connection available at the sports complex. Moreover, it also lacks sewerage and drainage. The problem of waterlogging of the ground makes it difficult to be used for sports. We have already written to the Yamunanagar municipal corporation (MC) to provide water, electricity, sewerage and drainage facilities at the sports complex. The ground has potential as we had organised some sports meet here which were a success. We have the sponsors available who are ready to provide funds but the MC must provide the basic amenities so the complex can further be developed and its condition be improved.”

Yamunanagar MC mayor Madan Chauhan said, “We will maintain these facilities. According to my information, the lease of the OPJGJKS had expired. I will look into the matter and see what representations have been given by the the college for maintaining the sports complex.”

“Since 1995, we never used this ground, as the government has developed a new sports complex at Tejli village. The land belongs to the municipal corporation,” said Rajinder Gupta, deputy director of sports and youth affairs, Yamunanagar.

Meanwhile, Yamunanagar deputy commissioner Mukul Kumar said he would look into the matter and ensure that the park doesn’t become a haven for drug addicts. He also said they would explore the possibilities of developing the park.