The authorities here have barred the locals from visiting Badamwari Park during morning and evening hours, alleging that the local residents, who enter the park for activities like walking and jogging, are causing damage to the turf.
However, the decision by the authorities led to widespread criticism from the local community.
A circular posted outside Badamwari Park, which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), states: “It is impressed upon the In-charge Head Gardener of Badamwari Park to ensure that no individual shall be allowed to carry out the activities like Morning Walk & Evening Walk inside the premises of Badamwari Park as it has been observed that the local residents who are visiting the park during morning hours for walking, jogging etc are damaging the turf of the park as they are not using the paths which are meant for these activities and thereby, also damages the plant material.”
“Therefore, you (Mr. Gulla Malik, the I/C Head Gardner of Badamwari is hereby being directed to ensure complete suspension of these activities at the Badamwari Park so that the glory of the park may not be affected in future,” it reads.
Nonetheless, locals while speaking to KNO expressed anguish over the authorities’ decision and described it as a nonsensical move, while urging the authorities to refrain from such actions.
“If you believe that your property is being damaged, involve people to monitor the garden instead of shutting its doors for us. Morning walks are beneficial for our health, and the authorities are preventing us from enjoying this activity,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local resident.
He further added that amidst the claims of the authorities to strive for a drug-free Kashmir, they are simultaneously restricting the people’s access to the public gardens—(KNO)