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UDHAMPUR EXCLUSIVE…Jakhani park, a distant dream for poor

Young Bites. Dated: 11/15/2017 11:26:18 AM

SUMEET KARNAL SHARMA Udhampur, Nov 14 Jakhani park was built in the heart of the town so that common man could go and enjoy the natural beauty of the garden with family and friends. As a matter of fact, the government has fixed the entry fee of the park which is Rs 20 for adult and Rs 10 for children. The amount might me nominal for a rich man but for poor who want to visit the park frequently, the amount is enormous. In spite of charging the entry fee for every visitor, the condition of park is pathetic. The park is least maintained. The fountains do not work, the seats are broken. All you can see are few trees and plants. Krishan Lal, a resident of Adarsh Colony said, “I work in a private mill and have a family of 8 persons. For the entry of my family I have to pay Rs 160 which I cannot afford. The park is for the VIPs as they only can afford tickets but I cannot”. Sham Kumar, a daily wager said, “entry fee should be minimum so that the labour class and poor people can spend some leisure time under the tree shades”.
Rahul Jandial an advocate of District Court Udhampur said, “Several protests have been made time to time by the social activists and different organisations regarding the entry fee issue but nothing has been done in the regard. Poor people should also come and relax but the authorities are least bothered to make any change to their age old format. The administration and the Floriculture department should fix a fair price on the tickets so that a poor man can afford”.
While speaking to the Deputy commissioner Ravinder Kumar regarding the matter, he said “I will personally look into the matter and assure that proper action is taken that will benefit the poor people of the society also”.