A park built in the memory of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai,in his native town Jagraon,has turned into a tipplers haven. Located right next to the local municipal council office,vendors selling non-vegetarian food near the park use the park as seating area for their customers. Their customers consist mainly of late night drinkers who bring their own stock of booze for the post-sunset revelry. Lala Lajpat Rai was born in Jagraon on January 28,1865,and apart from this park,the town has many schools and libraries named after the leader. Deepak Kalsi,a resident of the town,is pained. I have done some plantation in the park and come here each morning to water the plants. I noticed that every morning rag-pickers head for the park to collect empty liquor bottles. When I visited the area at night,I found that some food vendors make their clients sit inside the park and drink while they serve them food. It is a matter of shame for all of us to see a memorial erected in the memory of a great freedom fighter in such a pathetic condition, he said. The area SDM,Mukand Singh,when questioned on the matter,said,It,indeed,is a matter of shame for us and I have asked my officers to ensure that no tipplers are seen in this park. B S Rana,Executive Officer of the local MC,added,Now that you have brought this to our notice,we will ensure that that the sanctity of the park is maintained and will also take up beautification of the park.
