Neglected Vivekananda Park in Ranchi: A community space in crisis

Ranchi: Vivekananda Park in Kokar built in 2017 at a cost of nearly Rs 3 crore to provide residents a community green space for recreation is lying in utter neglect with pathways broken, and its premises overtaken by encroachment.The approach road to the park, located beside the Kokar vegetable market, is now completely encroached upon by vendors who could not be accommodated in the official market. Inside, there are no guards, no facilities, and little trace of the park’s original purpose.“I have lived in Kokar for five years, but honestly, I didn’t even know there was a park here,” said Rahul Kumar, a shop owner nearby.Residents recall that the park functioned for barely two years before falling into disuse due to lack of maintenance.“This was built with taxpayers’ money, but today it’s just rotting away. What could have been a place for children and the elderly is unsafe even to step into,” said homemaker Sunita Devi.Encroachment has compounded the problem.

“The entire road is blocked by vegetable sellers. There is no proper entry left for the park. Authorities should either revive it or admit they have wasted public money,” said Prakash Mishra, a Kokar resident.

The open premises have turned into a hub of malpractices. Locals allege that drinking, gambling, and even violent brawls happen inside after dark.“It is not a park any more; it is a den of trouble. Parents don’t even allow their children to go near it,” Mishra added.A vegetable vendor, Ramesh Mahato, said, “We were told there was supposed to be a vendors’ market, but nothing happened. Some officials even told us quietly to sit here. Nobody ever comes to check the park, so this road became our place to sell.”Repeated calls to Municipal commissioner Sushant Gaurav went unanswered.