Neglect chokes Rajbagh's Joggers Park

Srinagar, Jul 30: Once a symbol of urban leisure and green retreat, the Joggers Park at Convent Road in Rajbagh inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in 2012 now lies in a state of disrepair, with residents decrying what they call years of official neglect.

Spread across 4.7 acres (37.6 kanal), the park had once emerged as a popular destination for morning joggers, tennis enthusiasts, children, and families seeking respite in nature.

Today, however, it presents a grim picture of crumbling infrastructure, broken equipment, and decaying greenery.

“The park has become a shadow of what it once was,” said Javid Ahmad, a resident of Rajbagh. “It was our go-to place for a morning or evening walk. Now it feels abandoned and unsafe.”

The jogging tracks, once neatly paved and frequented by fitness lovers, are now riddled with cracks and overgrown grass.

Exercise equipment installed for public use has either rusted away or lies broken beyond repair.

Play areas for children are equally affected. The once vibrant swings, slides, and see-saws have vanished or lie in disrepair.

“Children used to love the musical fountain and play zones. Now there’s nothing left for them,” said Firdous Ahmad, a resident of Jawahar Nagar.

The park, which once boasted manicured lawns, serene pathways, and a healthy canopy of trees, is now plagued by garbage accumulation and waterlogging.

Patches of the once-lush landscape are now dug up or overtaken by stray dogs, adding to the concerns of safety and hygiene.

Residents also pointed to the deteriorating condition of amenities like restrooms and seating areas. “There is no upkeep at all. Even the in-car parking area is unkempt and inaccessible for the elderly or disabled,” said a resident of Kursoo.

The park was initially designed to include facilities like a basketball court, tennis courts, a football playfield, and even a swimming pool.

But most of these plans were either left incomplete or have since become unusable due to a lack of upkeep.

“The fitness equipment is broken, the tennis court is unusable, and the playfield is poorly maintained. This was once a community asset,” said Liyaqat Ahmad, a resident of Abi Guzar. “Even the main gate of the playground remains closed at times, creating unnecessary hassle.”

Residents have urged the Department of Floriculture, which is responsible for the park’s maintenance, to take immediate steps to revive the facility.

Many have also appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to revisit the park he inaugurated and ensure its revival.

“We request the government to restore the park to its original glory. It was not just a place for recreation but a rare public green space in the heart of Srinagar,” said a group of morning walkers.