Baramulla's Cariappa Park, built in honour of India’s 1st Commander-in-Chief, lies abandoned

Baramulla, Oct 2: Once a vibrant green space and a hub of community activity, Cariappa Park in Baramulla now lies in ruins, with overgrown grass and deserted pathways marking the neglect of this historically significant site.

The park, named after India’s first Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, was gifted decades ago by the people of Baramulla in honour of the Field Marshal’s emotional connection with the town.

In April 2022, the family of the late Field Marshal, including his son, retired Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa, visited the park to oversee the renovation of its grounds and the digital library constructed within.

Despite the initial efforts, the park remains in a state of neglect. Years after the soil-filling work carried out by the Department of Floriculture in 2018, no substantial renovation or maintenance has followed. Pathways have vanished, seating areas are broken or missing, and the greenery that once drew visitors has given way to wild growth.

Muhammad Ashraf, a resident, recalled the park’s former glory. “Carriappa Park was famous not only among residents but also among outsiders. Visitors would rest under the shade of trees, enjoy tea and snacks, and even take a short nap before continuing their journey,” he said. “It is a historical park, and such spaces should be preserved for their significance. Ironically, here we lack respect for our own heritage.”

Currently, the park lacks a caretaker and clear ownership. Neither the Municipal Council Baramulla nor the Department of Floriculture has taken responsibility for its upkeep. While a digital library has been constructed on one side and the department attempted some renovation work in parts, the absence of sustained maintenance has left the historic site to deteriorate.

Residents say the neglect is particularly disappointing given the park’s significance to the town. Once a hub of social activity and a point of pride, Cariappa Park now offers a stark reminder of how historically important spaces can fall into disrepair when authorities fail to take consistent action.