KOCHI: The Children’s Park, an endeavour started with a vision years ago, is going awry owing to the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities. In the last four years, despite having a fund of Rs 90 lakh in hand, the District Council for Child Welfare that manages the children’s park has not taken any substantial steps for maintaining it. Sources within the department confirmed the availability of enough funds with the council and the fact that it is not being utilised to its utmost level.As of now, parents and children keep away from the park and its rusting playthings and stinking pond. M Kesavan who was a frequent visitor to the children’s park said, “The park has completely lost its old charm. I used to come here with my children. This park was an innovative concept which could actually impart knowledge to children.”One of the major attractions in the park, the revolving globe, worth more than `10 lakh is in a dilapidated state. Installed four years ago, the globe is designed to revolve slowly using the solar energy. However, it is yet to be installed properly. “This happened due to the friction between the sponsors and the council,” said K J Tomy, Additional Development Commissioner (GL), District Council for Child Welfare.Also, the water in the pond meant for fun boating is stinking and the boats are out of order. Asked about the present state of the fun boats, the ADC quipped that the boats belonged to the District Tourist Promotion Council and it was their responsibility to carry out the maintenance works.The sources said that the council is almost inactive and continues to function with the same old eleven members. However, Tomy refuted these charges. “ There has been no such major issues. We have a proper committee to monitor the activities of the park. Every improvement could not be brought about in a trice. It takes time,” he said. However, he had nothing to say regarding the delay in carrying out maintenance work despite having sufficient funds. Besides it, the children’s park got a lot of help from the sponsors and the majority of toys were installed with their help.T V George, former Assistant Development Commissioner of District Council said that it was the teamwork that bore fruits during the earlier days. “Four years back, the park saw the golden period with many innovative playthings installed. Muhammed Hanish was the District Collector then and with his support the council envisioned a park where grown ups and children could jointly participate in cultural activities. But it is not happening,” he said.
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