Residents living near Herbal Park in Haryana’s Panchkula have demanded that the park, which suffered massive damage during the recent rains in the state, be restored to its former glory. “Watching the currents damage the park was truly scary. We urge the state government to restore it as soon as possible,” Mani Parti, a resident of Sector 26, said. Herbal Park in Panchkula’s Sector 26 is built on the banks of the Ghaggar River. With the state witnessing heavy rain last week, the Ghaggar River, flowing in spate, washed away a massive portion of the park, including its fence, a walking track and a shed with seats facing the river. “Our day remains incomplete without going to Herbal Park. This park has become an inseparable part of our life. People come here without missing a day. But with the damage, the park has been left in a vulnerable state,” Parti added. A hub of activity in the mornings and evenings with yoga classes, fitness sessions etc, the park normally sees a footfall of hundreds of people every day, according to locals. Not anymore, though. “The park has shrunk. People have to walk and run on the main road instead of inside the park. The current status of the park poses a scary picture. The water level of the Ghaggar has reduced over the last two days but it will take months to get the park to its original shape,” Sudhir Sharma, a resident of Sector 24, said. Entry to the park has been restricted and the Panchkula administration has placed banners at the entry gates warning people not to enter the park. A dozen Home Guard volunteers were also deployed but with the water level reducing, people have started entering the park. “The police did patrol the park sometime Tuesday but the damaged area was left unguarded today and many of our neighbours spent hours in the park,” Reena, a resident of Sector 26, said on Wednesday.
