Locals seek their restoration
Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, Jan 10: Historic Sherbagh Park in Anantnag town and Dara Shikoh garden in Bijbehara are in dilapidated condition and are craving for attention.
Locals from Anantnag town said that for the last several years, no attention was paid for maintenance of Sherbagh park.
They said people from different areas were coming to gardens to see its beauty, especially fish pond but due to pollution the population of fish is decreasing.
People from different areas visiting MCCH Anantnag were resting in the park but now visitors rarely enter there, said Irshad Hussian, a shopkeeper.
He said that washrooms in the park too are shut now and sought the government’s attention for its restoration.
Similarly, Dara Shikoh Mughal garden in Bijbehara town is craving for the attention of authorities.
They said that the park was being maintained by J&K Bank till 2019 but since it was taken over by floriculture department, its condition started worsening.
They said that fountains in the park are turning dry due to which it is losing its glory.
Fayaz Ahmad, a local resident, said that dilapidated conditions has declined visitors to the garden.
He said that authorities charge entry fees from visitors but none knows knows where the money goes and why money isn’t being spent on the park.
Mohammad Iqbal, another local resident said that the government has sanctioned money several times for the restoration of the garden but nothing has changed on the ground.
