KARACHI, May 24: The historical Jehangir Park located in Saddar is in deteriorating condition apparently due to negligence of the authorities concerned turning it into a safe heaven for drug addicts, scavengers and beggars.

There is no watchdog system in the park, spread over two acres, as the drug addicts take the control of the park at night. Several incidents of torture on the park’s only night-guard have been reported, however no action has so far been taken against the anti-social elements who take refuge at this park.

Sources said that the Sdadar Town administration had lodged various complaints with the Preedy Police Station but no action was taken in this regard.

The pumping machine has been lying out of order for the last many months owing to which almost half of the lawn has dried. The only fountain of the park, which was stolen several months ago, has not been re-fixed yet. Similar is the case with lights, as the park management is yet to take notice of it.

Heaps of garbage laced with filth can be seen at different portions of the park as the garbage lifting van has not been visiting the park for the last month. Almost all the benches and dustbins have been broken by the drug addicts and beggars.

The reading room of the parks is also in pathetic condition. There is neither electricity nor proper furniture in the reading room. When contacted, Saddar town administration official said that Town Nazim Mohammad Dilawar had taken serious notice of the deteriorating condition of the park and had directed the authorities concerned to improve it forthwith. –Online