Bills not paid, Kamla Nehru Park loses power

The state-run discom Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has disconnected power supply to The Kamla Nehru Park. Leena Dhanakar reports.

The state-run discom Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has disconnected power supply to The Kamla Nehru Park.

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Spread over an area of 6 acres, the park which is the oldest in the city, is situated near Jail Road and is losing its sheen. The place is fast turning up into a garbage dump.

The main reason for the present state of affairs is that the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) has failed to pay electricity bills and other charges to the maintenance committee for upgrading the park.

The maintenance committee is constituted of people living around the area, and the present scenario is a result of the ongoing tussle between the MCG and DHBVN.

The park, also known for its open air theatre used by people for various functions, now lies in a deplorable condition.

Residents could have never imagined that a place, which witnessed the wrestling fight between Dara Singh and King Kong, is now in a shambles.

The dilapidated condition of the park is a grim reminder of the apathy of the MCG authorities. Had the park been maintained well, it could have been used to hold open air theatre.

Not only this, conduction wires can been seen passing through the newly built quarters. The lights are not functional and the park gives a deserted look.

“It is quite surprising that the MCG did not pay electricity bills. This gives a wrong impression to people,” said Jaganath Magla, a resident of old Gurgaon. The DHVBN had disconnected electricity supply to the park, which led to an unsafe atmosphere for people to move around.

Sanjay Chugh, public relations officer, MCG, said, “We are not aware of the issue and will appreciate if people call us up at the toll free number 1800-1808-817. They should inform us about their problems before jumping to conclusions on the MCG's conduct.”

“The MCG had given the responsibility of the park’s maintenance to the sudhar samiti. But if they are not able to handle the same, they may return the rights of maintenance to the MCG. We have no documentary evidence about the latest pending dues and this makes it impossible for us to assume what is going on in the park.”

“Due to the MCG not paying bills on time, we have had to pool in money from our end to pay salaries to the gardeners maintaining the farms, besides other miscellaneous expenses. We have been doing this from the past two months. This is irresponsible on the part of the MCG,” said Prem Bansal, general secretary, maintenance committee.