Several prominent playgrounds in Nagpur, once bustling with children and families, are now in a state of neglect and misuse. Grounds that were meant for recreation have gradually turned into unofficial parking lots or dumping grounds. Residents across localities such as Laxmi Nagar, Shankar Nagar, Ram Nagar, Yeshwant Nagar, and Madhav Nagar are raising concerns over the lack of safe, open spaces for children, pointing to poor upkeep and encroachments as growing civic issues.
In Laxmi Nagar, the situation is particularly alarming. What was once a vibrant playground has been almost entirely converted into a parking zone. With no signs of regular cleaning or maintenance, it has lost all traces of being a space for children to play and grow.
Yeshwant Nagar’s playground isn’t faring any better. Scattered construction pipes and debris have made the area hazardous, especially for young children. The absence of basic upkeep has turned the once-welcoming space into a danger zone.
Ram Nagar’s ground, too, has been reduced to a neglected corner of the neighborhood. With garbage strewn across the area, locals say no efforts have been made to clean or restore it. The playground now resembles a dumping ground more than a recreational space.
In Shankar Nagar, residents report that the entire ground has been taken over by vehicles. The garden area, which once added beauty to the space, is now wild and unkempt. With no maintenance in place, the ground is no longer fit for any kind of recreational activity.
Madhav Nagar’s playground is perhaps the most disheartening sight. Cluttered with steel rods, construction debris, and an unusable basketball court, the area is no longer a space for children, seniors, or families to unwind. Locals say it now functions more like a storage yard than a community asset.
Citizens living near these grounds are voicing their disappointment. According to a local daily report, Civic authorities seem to have taken note. Dr Piyush Ambulkar, Sports and Cultural Officer at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, said, “We will issue a circular regarding the problem of cars parking in the playgrounds and it will be implemented soon. The maintenance and the cleanliness of the ground will also be an issue that will be tackled.”
As urban space shrinks, playgrounds remain one of the few open areas for children’s growth, fitness, and community bonding. The deteriorating state of these spaces is more than an aesthetic issue—it’s a public health and safety concern. For the sake of the city’s younger generation and community well-being, residents say it’s time for swift and serious action.
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