HILL Park, once a pristine green belt and recreation spot thronged by Karachiites, has fallen on bad times.

The peaceful localities and bungalows around the park are fast turning into a concrete jungle owing to the dozens of high-rises in the vicinity. This has severely affected the area’s environment.

Sizeable portions of the walking tracks have worn out owing to years of neglect making it dangerous for the elderly to negotiate them. Owing to the overall lack of maintenance, one can see small mounds of rubbish, which give the park a forlorn look. However, more than the park management, visitors are to blame as they are careless about disposing litter, carelessly throwing it away wherever they please.

The acute water shortage that has afflicted Karachi has had a devastating effect on the large pond in the middle of Hill Park that was once its crowning grace. The pond has almost dried up and many of the swan and geese that graced the pond have perished. The few that remain are in a pathetic state.

I and my friends, all of whom are leading retired lives, used to enjoy visiting this park. This is a request to the civic authorities to save and revive this green lung of Karachi.

Senior citizens

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2018