Editor,

I wish to draw attention to the condition of Polo Park in Naharlagun - the only public recreational space in the town.

For the past few years, visitors have been charged an entry fee to access the park. However, despite this, the park lacks several basic facilities. Most importantly, there is no adequate lighting along the walking and jogging pathway. In the evening, people are forced to walk and jog in almost complete darkness. Since the pathway is already very narrow, this creates a significant risk of collisions and is particularly uncomfortable and unsafe for women and other evening visitors.

The park also lacks proper toilet facilities, while some exercise equipment is worn out and non-functional.

What is particularly difficult to understand is that the Forest Department office, which is in charge of the park, is located immediately beside the park, yet such a basic issue remains unaddressed. If the department is responsible for the park, it should explain why adequate lighting has not been provided despite years of collecting entry fees.

If an entry fee is being collected, the public has a legitimate right to know how much revenue is being generated and where it is being utilised. At the very least, adequate lighting should be installed along the entire pathway to ensure the safety and convenience of visitors.

I urge the authorities concerned to address this issue at the earliest and ensure that the facilities at Polo Park justify the entry fee being charged from the public.

A concerned citizen,

Naharlagun