A public recreational ground in Goregaon East has fallen into a state of neglect, with damaged amenities, broken infrastructure and safety hazards prompting concern among residents and regular visitors. Locals claim that the condition of Shahid Vijay Salaskar Manoranjan Maidan has steadily worsened over the past two years, with little visible progress on repair and restoration works.
A recent inspection of the park revealed multiple issues across the premises. Broken light poles with exposed iron rods, damaged pathway lights with visible electrical wiring, open circuit boxes, vandalised decorative installations, non-functional washrooms and damaged boundary walls were among the concerns observed. Several decorative structures beyond repair were seen lying abandoned on grassy patches, while only one water tap remained operational.
Residents allege that the absence of CCTV surveillance has allowed the park to become a gathering spot for drug addicts after closing hours. According to locals, unauthorised visitors enter the premises at night, engage in illegal activities and damage public property, leaving behind destruction that remains unattended for long periods.
While visitors acknowledged that the park remains relatively clean and green, they said basic facilities have deteriorated significantly. Many pointed to the unusable washrooms, damaged benches and broken installations as evidence of prolonged neglect.
Raghunath Mandal, a Goregaon East resident, said, “I work nearby and visit regularly. I remember the benches here were in good condition two years ago, but they have deteriorated. I don’t recall any major repair work to prevent it. Most are damaged in some way. The swan decoration here has disappeared completely.”
Shivani Ambelkar, a visitor from Virar, added, “It is clean and green but one major concern is the washroom facility. It has been broken and without water. Ladies here have to leave the garden and go to a public washroom outside.”
Responding to the concerns, a civic official stated that horticulture and cleanliness are being maintained, while larger repair works are under consideration. “We believe that the garden is well-maintained in terms of horticulture and cleanliness. The problems that remain, such as the washrooms and the boundary walls, are larger and the solution cannot be a quick fix. A proposal is being drafted for major repair work, and we expect the work to conclude by the end of this financial year. To address the trespassing and illegal activities, P-South ward has informed the local police for increased patrolling in the area.”
Source: Mid-day
