The blue-green waters of Avadhaanapatty Lake ripple in the morning drizzle. Seven swan-shaped paddle boats, and tourist boats long abandoned render a faint idea of an erstwhile boat house.
Located on the national highway of Krishnagiri, the lake and the adjoining children’s park could well be the dream of any landlocked district to provide a lung space for its citizens.
But the Krishnagiri Children’s Park is a picture of abject neglect.
Opened in 2005, the park with its paved pathways and little ridges over artificial fountains, and rest sheds, under gulmohars, violets, and carpeted in lush green grass was once a well sought after recreational space. Three artificial fountains in the park have dried up. The drinking water tank is dry, as the motor pump doesn’t work.
A hanging bridge is literally hanging unfit for use, and fenced off from the park.
Broken swings, sea-saws, and rusted slides, fill the children play area. What remains at the boat house is a board showing ticket charges for the boat rides.. Boat ride was stopped after the death of a child in the swimming pool in the stadium, says a contractor who used to maintain the park.
Local residents still continue to roam around the park, as it provides some solace for them after a day’s hectic work. The park, and the boat house falls under the control of the DRDA. When contacted, a DRDA official said, tenders are being floated for appointing a new maintenance contractor. A new proposal is ready for its restoration.
Though the park is unfit for use, the greenery still attracts visitors.
