Handwara, Nov 2: The Chinar Park in main town Handwara, once a symbol of greenery, has lost its sheen over time due to official apathy, leaving it in a state of neglect.
Residents have expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Chinar Park, saying years of neglect, poor maintenance, damaged infrastructure, messy green spaces and inadequate cleanliness have diminished the charm of one of the town’s key public recreational spaces. “This park was once a beautiful place where people spent quality time, but today it presents a picture of neglect,” Handwara General Secretary Abdul Rashid Malik told Greater Kashmir.
“People would find solace under Chinars in this park, especially in the scorching heat of summer. I still remember those visiting the court or tehsil office in Handwara would wait for hours, as there was no other place to spend time,” he added.
The residents said that the park, if developed, could emerge as a major tourist attraction and become a source of livelihood for many youths. “The park has huge tourism potential, but damaged infrastructure, poor cleanliness and lack of greenery are discouraging visitors,” another resident said.
The residents said that a few years ago, a cafeteria was constructed in the park at a cost of more than Rs 20 lakh, but it, too, was in a state of neglect, with broken glass panes, windows and doors.
“I fail to understand why the cafeteria was built if it was to be left this way. Not only the cafeteria, but the washrooms built in the park were also in a dilapidated condition, although they were repaired a few days ago,” said Bilal Lone, a local social activist.
The residents said that the open gym established a few years ago for the elderly had also been damaged, leaving them without access to a gym. “After Fajar prayers, we would go to Chinar Park for a morning walk, but the dilapidated condition of the park has forced us to drop the idea. Now we go for a morning walk via a bypass road, which happens to be very risky because of the heavy rush of vehicles,” an elderly resident said.
The residents, while talking to this correspondent, said the government must undertake a comprehensive beautification drive for Chinar Park so that it not only provides a better recreational space for residents but also helps attract more tourists, enhancing Handwara’s image and supporting the local economy.
Meanwhile, Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Handwara, Imtiyaz Ahmad Pandit, told Greater Kashmir that a comprehensive plan had been prepared for the beautification of Chinar Park, Handwara. “We are hopeful that next year people will see a different and upgraded version of Chinar Park, Handwara,” he added.
