Ibrahim Park, one of the popular parks on West Boulevard Road in Tiruchi, is a hit with residents and passers-by.
Since it is located on a busy locality, traders and merchants of Singarathope, West Boulevard Road, Marakkadai and business representatives of various companies too take time in visiting the park. But, the park has lost its sheen thanks to poor maintenance.
While a portion of the park is dedicated for children, other portion is landscaped with grass mounds, plants, and a foot-path over pool and fountains.
The overgrown plants and grass reflect the poor maintenance of the park, which is one of the oldest parks in Tiruchi.
The overgrown plants suggest that they have not been trimmed for long. In some spots, shrubs and grass are growing unchecked.
None of the fountains in the park has water suggesting that they have been lying unused for long and garbage is strewn all over the park
“Ibrahim Park is the main recreational spot for us. There is no other park in the vicinity. It is the greenery of the park that attracts us. But, it is not being maintained well. It needs better upkeep. The available infrastructure should be well maintained. It cannot be neglected,” says N. Raja of Singarathope, a regular visitor to the park.
It is said that all the six solar powered lights, which were installed about six months ago have become dysfunctional.
Moreover, some of the toilets have also been closed for several months due to lack of proper maintenance.
Regular visitors allege that the park has of late become a “sleeping zone”. Taking advantage of poor upkeep, a group of people can be found sleeping on the benches and footpaths during day time.
“It is disheartening to see such a famous park in shambles. There must be specially trained gardeners for its upkeep. Moreover, a security system must be put in place to prevent people misusing the park,” says K. Prakasam of Palakarai.
