Amritsar’s historic Chali Khoo park in need of urgent repair, renovation
The Chali Khoo (Forty Wells) park near Jodha Fatak remains in a state of neglect despite a large amount having been spent on its restoration. The park lacks essential infrastructure, including iron grills and electricity poles, giving it a shabby appearance due to poor maintenance. Despite spending crores on its beautification, the park has become a haven for thieves and drug addicts. The bathroom fittings are missing from the washrooms and a material used to sniff drugs is lying inside the washroom.
The authorities installed high mast lights, but the control panel is missing. Residents claim thieves stole the control panel, iron poles and grills. Initially, authorities deployed watchmen to oversee the park at night, keeping drug addicts away. However, after funds ran out, no alternative arrangements were made. Local residents avoid visiting the park due to safety concerns. Garbage is scattered everywhere and an overgrowth of grass deters visitors.
'A safe haven for drug addicts'
“The park was beautifully developed under HRIDAY, but due to lack of maintenance and security, it is now a safe haven for drug addicts. The lights are lying dysfunctional as wires and iron poles have been stolen by addicts. Mischievous elements enter the park easily as there is no check by the authorities. Effective maintenance and security measures are needed for proper upkeep of Chali Khoo park,” said Shivam, a resident.
Said Jeevan Jyot Kaur, MLA, Amritsar South, “I am aware about the condition of the Chali Khoo park. The previous government didn’t provide a passage for it. An underpass was required at the railway overbridge near Jodha Fatak. I am fighting to provide a passage to the park. Then we will go for the beautification of park and make it state-of-the-art.”
Chali Khoo was initially dug up by the British in 1904 for tap water supply and was later restored under the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) in 2018. The government spent Rs 5 crore on the project, aiming to attract tourists.
