A controversy is raging over use of Khilwat playground for parking of vehicles during events organised at the Chowmohalla Palace.
The local corporator and former Hyderabad Mayor, Mir Zulfeqar Ali, dashed off a letter to the GHMC asking the authorities to stop the ‘playground' from being used as a ‘parking ground'.
Chowmohalla Palace, other than a tourist place, has also turned into a major cultural centre in the old city with many national and international artists participating in the events organised regularly. A large number of people attend these functions, a few being high profile guests and parking remains a major problem.
In his letter, addressed to the GHMC Commissioner, Mr. Ali questioned the authorities about use of the playground for private parking. “Due to parking of vehicles the schoolchildren and other persons who are conducting sports events are suffering a lot”, he said in his letter. “The place is transformed into a good playground after a lot of effort. Now the cricket pitch is getting damaged because of parking,” he said. The floodlights were recently repaired keeping in mind the cricket and football matches being played in the late evenings.
Locals also complain that the only recreational place in the locality was being encroached upon. “The police come and send us away from the ground and arrange for vehicle parking. It has become a regular affair,” complains Mohd. Abdul Ali, a football coach.
Residents said the haphazard parking of vehicles on main roads was leading to many problems. When programmes are organised in Chowmohalla Palace, some people park their vehicles in front of houses much to the inconvenience of residents, pointed out M.A. Sayeed, president of Panch Mohalla Welfare Society.
