Neeraj Khujur & Amit Halder
Port Blair, July 16: For utter neglect of the authorities concerned, a massive playground at Wimberlygunj in South Andaman has been reduced to a grazing field for local livestock.
The playground, which is used by the local community, for conduct of various sports and cultural events including the functions on Independence Day and Republic Day, has been turned into a grazing ground due to the indifference of the authorities. Moreover, anti-social elements too use the field for gambling and boozing after dusk, according to sources.
According to locals of the area, lack of maintenance is the prime reason for the dismal condition of the playground. Wild grasses have grown in the field and in the absence of boundary wall, dozens of cattle graze freely inside the playground.
People also complain that the playground has become a haven for anti-social elements who freely involve themselves in gambling and other immoral activities in the playground.
“The Wimberlygunj playground presents a perfect example of the apathetic attitude of the local government towards maintaining playgrounds in different parts of these islands. The playground here is vital for the residents of Wimberlygunj and adjoining areas as several sports and cultural events are organized in the playground. Even the Independence Day and Republic functions are held in this playground. But due to lack of a boundary wall, the playground here remains occupied by stray cows which graze in the field throughout the day. The filth created by them deters children to play in the ground. Moreover, in the absence of any watch and ward, anti-social elements can be seen freely gambling and boozing in the playground,” claimed some locals.
The former Pradhan of Wimberlygunj, Mr Manickam said that several representations have been sent to the concerned authorities in the administration demanding proper upkeep of the Wimberlygunj playground for the last several years. But the administration has taken no concrete steps in this regard, he said.
