Let us help maintain them
The beautiful parks of Shantiniketan need a lot of care and effort to maintain them. SNRS has six parks under its care in the PPP scheme (public private participation). The MCD under the scheme pays a nominal amount for the upkeep of the park. From employing the Mali to providing the water, fertilizers, manure and plants, is supposed to be MCD’s job. How ever the payments are not enough to cover the maintenance of the parks. Also the payment for the same remains pending for quarters that may even add up to 2/3 years. In the absence of such support the RWA is left to manage the salary of the employees, water, manure and plants all on its own.
SNRA has been managing all the six parks under its care by employing dedicated maalis who have recently finished planting saplings in all the parks. However it is surprising to know that the saplings need protection not only from the children playing in the park but also from people who actually steal them. Plastic fencing around the flower beds with frequent rounds of the guards is a must to protect and maintain them.
To ensure that the plants are not up rooted or stolen the managing committee came up with a unique idea of appealing to the people visiting the park. They put up an image of God Vishkarma and through this have tried to appeal to the moral sensibility of the people. The image goes with the slogan “Preserve Don’t Steal”.
Another major problem faced by the rwa is the unruly behaviour of some of the children playing in the parks. However their right to play is also recognised. There is a plan to officially designate one park for playing so that the walkers, the elderly and the children are not inadvertently hurt by a flying projectile like a cricket ball or a football.
The parks also need to be locked at specific timings to deter the ingress of dogs, cats and other undesirable elements. Guards have been appointed to take care of the same. It is an uphill task but the Association is trying to do it’s best so let’s help them in not only maintaining the parks but also extend support wherever needed.organized event which brought in much cheer and excitement with devotional fervor.
