City to have 5 new parks, 14 playgrounds

It may be recalled that the city, known for its greenery, was fast losing playgrounds and parks over the last two decades because of their excessive use for commercial activities. Two main playgrounds, known for game of cricket, have been replaced by multi-storey buildings of the Punjab Assembly and the MPA Hostel. On a ground, known as Scout Ground at the Railways Colony, flats have been built. The Waris Road Ground at Mozang is in a state of dismay. Presently, the ground is being used for marriage functions instead of sports activities. Likewise, the Mochi Gate Ground, where many test cricketers used to play, is also in sorry state. Wapda Town last bus stop playground is being used for a Sunday bazaar.

Same is the case with Green Town Ground where Sunday bazaar has replaced the sports activities. Gulberg had playgrounds in its residential blocks but with the passage of time the main grounds vanished and those left were only being used for local sports activity. Township playground has also been turned into a dumping place for solid waste generated by the marble cutters operating in the nearby residential housing societies.