The play must go on

Though the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has provided parks in all sectors of Panchkula,these open spaces are barred for outdoor games.

‘Playing cricket or football is not allowed here’ is prominently displayed on boards in all these parks. And children who do try to sneak in to play are shunted out by residents.

Parikshit Malik,a 12-year-old who lives in Sector 10,says,“With my friend I want to play in the park in our sector,but a man,who lives near the park,always scolds us and shoos us away.”

“Even dogs stay away from the park,as he does not let them in,” Parikshit smiles.

HUDA employee Umesh Bhateja says he is pained that children are not allowed to play in these parks. “I have been living in Panchkula since I was in Class VII,and I played in these very parks. But now,our children do not have the same facility.”

No entry in these parks,Bhateja says,draws these children towards parking lots and roads,which is unsafe.

“It is strange that weddings and parties are allowed in these parks,but outdoor sports are barred,” Sandeep Singh (21),who is doing his post-graduate diploma from SGGS College,Sector 26,says.

For now,parking lots are good alternatives for these children. They gather in these parking lots at 5.30 am everyday and play till about 9 am. The play gets longer if the monsoon clouds keep the day cool,says Sanupam Sood (17).

‘Made a mistake’
Executive Officer of the Panchkula Municipal Council O P Sihag admits the municipal body made a mistake by keeping outdoor games out of these parks.

“HUDA had given us at least one or two open spaces in each sector. We developed all of them as parks and provided benches etc. At that time,we did not realise that some should have been left open for children to play,” Sihag says.

However,there is some hope now.

After the issue was highlighted by the Sector Welfare Associations in the Open Darbar held by the Municipal Council a few months ago,there was a proposal that playgrounds of government and private schools in Panchkula be opened for children in the evening.

The proposal was forwarded to the District Education Officer,but could not proceed due to some “problems in the civic body”.

Now,Sihag says he will take the proposal ahead. “I will take up the matter with the DC and will hold a meeting with the DEO,Sector Welfare Associations and representatives of various schools to discuss the proposal,” he says.

“We will try to make schools open their grounds for children in the evening. And in the summer vacation,in the morning also,” he adds.