NMMC carrying out renovation of city gardens

All efforts are on to complete the work before onset of monsoon

Veda Ramaswamy, Vashi

June 03, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

Photographer - Nandu Kurne, DNA

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has undertaken an initiative of renovating dilapidated gardens across the satellite city. Work is going on at full swing at various gardens under their jurisdiction. Major redevelopment is being carried out at four gardens while minor beautification work is being carried out at several other gardens. Efforts are on to complete the work before the arrival of monsoon. According to NMMC officials, around Rs 4 crore are being spent on the entire renovation work which is likely to conclude within the next 20-25 days.

Meenatai Thackeray Udyan in Sector 17, Vashi; Hegdevar Udyan in Belapur near Uran Phata; Tarabai Fulchand Madhavi Udyan in Sector 6, Airoli and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Udyan in Sector 2, Nerul are the four gardens where the main renovation work is being carried out. "The condition of these gardens had worsened over the years. There was a heavy demand by the residents to restore these gardens since they are the only source of recreation in the vicinity. Hence the initiative was undertaken. Conscious efforts are on to complete the work before the onset of monsoon," said an NMMC official on condition of anonymity.

The renovation plan includes development of green lawns, jogging tracks, constructing benches for sitting and relaxing, good quality swings and slides and other such facilities at these gardens. The beautification plan for other gardens has also been decided and worked upon by the authorities. Before the work commenced, the gardens were almost in a state of ruin. "Cracks were formed on the jogging tracks in Meenatai Thackeray Udyan. Few swings and slides were broken too. I didn't allow my child to play on them fearing his safety. Gardens are the only recreational activity for small children. The NMMC has undertaken a good initiative to renovate these gardens and beautify them," said Rashmi Pande, a resident of Vashi.

Currently, the work of digging, plastering, brickwork, laying down foundation with the Plaster of Paris for the reconstruction of the jogging tracks with concrete is being carried out at these gardens. "We have been giving special attention to the beautification and redevelopment of gardens. Once the renewals of these gardens conclude, residents will not only regain their recreational area but also acknowledge the transformation," said Jagannath Sinnarkar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Garden Department, NMMC.