Ambedkar Park, a den for anti-social elements

KOCHI: The lack of proper maintenance have made the Municipal Ambedkar Park in Paravoor a haven for anti-social elements. The LDF councillors staged a dharna by holding lighted candles in front of the park to show their agitation on Friday. Former Municipal Chairman N A Ali inaugurated the dharna. The Park spread over three acres of land in Pullamkuzhai, was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister E K Nayanar, about a couple of decades ago. It has an open air theatre, mini train for kids, radio, clock tower and other facilities. The present condition of the park is pathetic. The sodium vapour lamps, fluorescent tubes and lighting facilities are not functioning now.The Park has turned into a safe den for anti-social activities. The immoral trafficking has become rampant. Motor bikes are seen before the park during night. Previous LDF led municipality renovated the Park and opened it for the public. But now the park is neglected by the UDF rulers in power. The functioning of the mini train came to a standstill. The radio and clock tower has become a symbol of neglect. However the plea of the public to renovate the dilapidated Park usable for the people has fallen on deaf ears.