How green is my park

A green belt in Sector 11, Vasundhara, had been reduced to a dumping ground for garbage. But thanks to residents, it is now a popular hangout spot in the area.

The unyielding rift between the municipal corporation and the irrigation department led to utter neglect of the green area. It eventually became a garbage dump for neighbouring sectors. Complaints made to the two bodies by residents resulted in a big zero. 

One fine day, the residents decided to take the onus upon themselves.

The green drive started a year and a half back when residents from 50 households of the neighbourhood started contributing Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 every month to turn it into a lush park.

It is now a sprawling park with badminton courts, walking tracks and lawns to practise yoga. 

A regular badminton player at the park, Ritesh Agarwal, says, "After this initiative, the park has become ideal for outdoor sports."

"The area has become a favourite with senior citizens, and kids throng the place after school," says SN Tyagi, a senior resident. "There is also ample space for yoga and morning walks."

The resident-rehabilitated 1.5-km-long green belt has also inspired other localities to take up similar drives.

Ajay Kumar, an official of the horticulture department, lauded the residents for this initiative.