Srinagar, Aug 14,: Once a popular green retreat for fitness enthusiasts and families, the Joggers Park in Srinagar’s upscale Raj Bagh area is now drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. Visitors to the park have expressed frustration over the poor condition of workout equipment and lack of maintenance by the concerned authorities.
A section of the park dedicated to outdoor fitness activities lies neglected, with most of the installed exercise equipment, commonly used for warm-up stretches and light workouts, either damaged or entirely defunct. As a result, joggers and morning walkers say they are unable to complete their fitness routines.
“We come here every day for our morning run, but the fitness corner has been lying in a shambles for months. Almost all machines are non-functional,” said a local resident and regular park visitor. “It’s disappointing, especially when this park is one of the few well-located public spaces in Srinagar.”
Residents have appealed to the Floriculture Department, which maintains the park, to replace the damaged fitness equipment. However, they allege that their repeated pleas have been ignored.
“To add to the neglect, a swing for children was removed nearly a year ago and has not been replaced. It feels like the department has forgotten this park altogether,” said a visitor to the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
Locals say the park, known for its lush greenery and central location in the posh Raj Bagh area, has great potential but is suffering due to official apathy. “We just want the Floriculture Department to visit once and take stock. It’s not a big ask,” said a retired government employee who visits the park daily.
The visitors urged authorities to carry out basic repairs, restore the children’s play area, and ensure the fitness zone is properly maintained to allow people of all age groups to make full use of the park. [KNT]
