Visakhapatnam: "At a time when there is paucity of open playgrounds in the city, letting the events and exhibition to take place on these grounds is leaving no space for children, youngsters to play. For instance, the Andhra University’s Engineering College ground is one of the most preferred playgrounds in the city for all. So much so that, hardly any space is left to play when one reaches late there.
However, the events and exhibitions of both government and private parties are being held on the ground throughout the year. The youths who are frequent to the ground told a big event would occupy the major part of the ground space for almost 10 days for sure even if that was being conducted for 3-4 days. “As it is not only the event days, but erecting pandal and removing those also take many days. We don’t have any option, but to sit at home.” said M. Venu, a youth residing near AU University.
“Mostly two grounds of AU in Vizag city have good space in the city for outdoor games. Hence, thousands of children, youngsters prefer them and even elder persons also do walking in morning and evening,” he added. The situation is no different for the GVMC’s Indira Priyadarshini Stadium, which is also remaining occupied with events.
Some youngsters also opined that parks were being developed spending crores of money, but no well-maintained playgrounds in the city. Moreover, no space is being allotted for open playgrounds. “We make slogans for healthy and fit city. But, when there is no open playgrounds to play how we can expect that children and youths would stay healthy,” said a government sports teacher, not wanting to be named.
