MAPUSA: The Chacha Nehru Park located in ward 9 of the Mapusa Municipality has been lying in a pathetic condition for last many years.
This park was last renovated in 1995 and inaugurated by the then Goa Governor, Mr Romesh Bhandari in presence of the then  Mapusa MLA Mr Surendra Sirsat and Mapusa chairperson Mr Mathew Braganza.

Since the last 15 years, nobody has bothered to either look at the park  or attend to it. Even a portion of a wall fallen has been left as it is and now this spot has become a dumping ground. There are steel and iron pieces protruding out which are likely to hurt children.
No illumination during the nights, misuse by beggars, migrants, drunkards and adults have discouraged the small children from using it.
In the monsoon, water gets collected. A few years back even a body was found in the park. Taking all these factors   into account former chairperson Ms Sneha Bhobe  had successfully approached a sponsor to develop and maintain the park but her efforts were stalled by  the local councillor who even promised to do up the park in one year flat. However, till date the park has not seen any changes.
On Monday, a group of around 50 children carrying placards in their hands marched to the municipality to bring to the notice of the authorities the bad state of the Chacha Nehru Park. As the chairperson and vice chairperson were not present, the children who were led by Mr Phillip D’Souza met Chief Officer, Mr Redkar.
Mr D’Souza gave Mr Redkar a clear picture of the park and even showed him photographs of the bad situation in the park. Municipal engineer, Mr Vishnu  Naik was also present.
Mr Redkar and Mr Naik informed the children and Mr D’Souza that the municipality had approached GSUDA for developing the park, however, Mr D’Souza felt that going by the fact that GSUDA was dilly dallying with the construction work of the Mapusa fish market and other projects in Mapusa that were taken up by it, it could not be trusted for doing the work of the park and this could be given to some competent party.
He even said that he had approached private parties who were ready to take up the work of developing the park.
Mr Redkar and Mr Naik said that they would explore the option if these parties  could now be given the work.  Mr Redkar and Mr Naik then visited the park. Mr Redkar instructed Mr Naik to engage labourers and immediately take up urgent important  works which could otherwise result in casualties.
Mr Redkar said that he would make all attempts and see that these urgent important works are attended by this week itself and side by side efforts would be stepped up regarding beautification plans of the park.