Caranzalem park facelift likely to be done in 2 months

Panaji: Around two decades ago, when the Children’s Park in Caranzalem opened, it instantly became a favourite with locals for being one of the only two parks in and around Panaji back then for kids to spend their leisure time.

However, within a few years, a lack of maintenance led to overgrown bushes and a lack of facilities like toilets, kept visitors away.There are now efforts by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to restore the park, which fell into disuse.The CCP began the work of restoring the Caranzalem park after its initial plan was announced in Dec last year. The repair work started earlier this month with the laying of pavers on the walking tracks.

The construction of a public toilet is also under way. The play area upgrade and the setting up of other amenities will commence shortly, officials said.The repair work was undertaken after an on-site assessment conducted by mayor Rohit Monserrate along with his representatives last year.The shrubs shrouding the borders will also get a trim shortly.The total budget for the garden restoration is Rs 2 crore, out of which Rs 97 lakh is allocated for the overall renovation, Rs 63 lakh for constructing a public toilet facility and installing a surveillance system, and Rs 36 lakh for installing new play equipment.

Venkatesh Sawant, municipal engineer at the CCP, said, “The gardens were ill-facilitated and had broken amenities. There was no toilet facility available, and it was being used by people less frequently.”“The work was slated to begin in April, but the repair work was stalled in the monsoon season due to the incessant rains. The restoration work will be completed in two months,” said Sawant.He said the repair work in Garcia de Orta, Nina Pinto Colony Garden, Caculo Colony Garden, and Shade Park is also under way.