HMDA defends Its Housekeepers At Lumbini Park
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has claimed that the Lumbini Park premises are regularly cleaned and maintained by dedicated housekeeping staff, and that the existing cascade fountain is regularly maintained and operated: Reports
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has claimed that the Lumbini Park premises are regularly cleaned and maintained by dedicated housekeeping staff, and that the existing cascade fountain is regularly maintained and operated.
In a rejoinder to the report in these columns, titled ‘HMDA leaves Lumbini Park in rot’ (July 10), the HMDA also said that a proposal for revamping all parks, including Lumbini Park, is underway and that a request for proposal has been issued.
The old play area equipment and jhulas were removed long ago as they were corroded, the statement said.
Our Correspondent replies:
We stand by our report. The HMDA claimed that Lumbini Park continues to attract a number of visitors, which on weekends goes up to 20,000 per day. Deccan Chronicle reflected the pathetic condition of the park despite this high turnout of visitors, whose agony was narrated in their own words in the report.
The HMDA has removed corroded equipment in the children’s play area but has not replaced them with new ones, and whatever amusement is available for children in the park comes at a price. The reporter visited the park on several days and at different times, but garbage and unhygienic conditions remained unchanged.
In contrast to the HMDA’s claims that the cascade fountain functions every afternoon, it was never operational during the visits, and the area clearly showed signs of disuse and poor maintenance.
The HMDA sought to place the onus of toilet upkeep on a private agency and tried to absolve itself of the responsibility of monitoring the agency’s work. It inadvertently admitted to the poor upkeep by promising to take up repair works for toilets, water dispensers, and railings.