Joggers decry move to prevent their entry into Badamwari

Srinagar, Apr 11: Scores of jogging enthusiasts have resented the move to prevent their entry into Badamwari in the mornings.

The morning walkers said that until few days back there used to be a free entry for the locals who resided in the vicinity; however, now the same has been closed, leaving them in the lurch.

The locals said that despite the park being a local asset for centuries, it has been closed to the locals in the neighborhood, and this has distressed them. They said the elderly, people with ailments and other issues, used to jog in the early morning hours, which is a vital part of their health routines.

“We used to stay there for a couple of hours in the morning up till 8 am when there is usually no rush of tourists. Being the locals, we did not expect authorities to close doors on us,” said an aggrieved.

Mushtaq Ahmad, who lives at Kathidarwaza area in neighborhood, said that since 2008, there has been free entry for the locals only. He said that 400-500 people used to benefit from the park, which has now been closed to them.

“There used to be routine operation after 8 am in the park, and we did not disturb that as we used to come in the wee hours of the morning and leave before 8 am. The staff at the park told us a few days back that we cannot enter now, which is very unfortunate,” he added.

He said that diabetic patients and patients with other ailments benefited from the park, and he hopes that the government will look into the matter.

“We don’t have any other spot in the close vicinity and that makes it more important for us. It is unfortunate that local residents face the brunt of traffic jams during peak season, and when it comes to benefits, we are left to fend for ourselves,” he said.;

Inam-ul-Rehman, Assistant Horticulture officer, Srinagar said that they want to streamline the process so that joggers can enter through the proper channel.

“We are planning to issue special passes to joggers who want to visit, and this will be allowed after a minimal monthly fee. It will streamline the process and make everyone more accountable, as we will have a record of everyone. When things are done randomly, and if any damage is caused to the park, we are unable to hold anyone accountable,” he added.