Public park at Baramulla’s Kreeri in shambles, locals demand facelift

Baramulla, Apr 14: The pathetic condition of the public park near Sub-District Hospital Kreeri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla has raised serious concerns among locals, as the once-vibrant public space lies neglected and in disrepair. Scattered garbage, lack of maintenance, and absence of basic facilities have turned the park into an eyesore. Locals said that the park, once looked after by the Department of Floriculture, has been left unattended since 2019.

“Earlier, the department used to maintain the park, but now no one seems to be interested in its maintenance,” said Khurshid Ahmad, a local resident. The park holds significance for the people of Kreeri and nearby villages. The park serves as a resting spot for attendants of patients, local residents, and travelers waiting for transport.  “Attendants of many surgical patients use this space to take rest. It’s a much-needed green spot, but sadly it is in a miserable condition,” said another local.

Residents highlighted several issues plaguing the park, including the lack of dustbins in the park which leads to unattended garbage inside the park.

“There is no dustbin here, so visitors have no choice but to throw garbage in the open,” said Bashir Ahmad, a concerned resident.  Additionally, the park lacks a proper water facility. Although a fountain exists, it has remained dry for years due to the absence of a water connection. “The fountain has no functionality now. There is no water, and the whole setup is useless,” said a local resident. Locals here said that the land for the park was donated by the people themselves for public use. They have now urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to restore and maintain the park.  “It is disheartening to see a public asset in such a state. We want the authorities to identify who is responsible for its maintenance and bring the park back to life,” a local elderly person demanded.