TOBA TEK SINGH, Feb 18: The Wildlife department has failed to upkeep the park established many years ago on 357 acres of forest land near Bhagat, Rajana-Samundri Road, some 25km from here.

Pegs and other animals have damaged the costly fencing on a 25,000 rft (running feet).

Animals, once looked in every corner of the park, have been restricted to 14-acre tract in the middle of the park for the amusement of children. At present, there are only 27 peacocks, five chinkaras, three monkeys, as many cranes, two pheasants and as many grey partridges.

The annual budget for the upkeep of parks and animals’ care was Rs150,000. The canteen in the park was once auctioned and no body returned for auction in view of decline in the number of visitors.

When contacted, district Wildlife Officer Rashid Iqbal told this correspondent that the park could be made a unique attraction, if funds were provided to the department. He said he sent a proposed project to the higher authorities which required an amount of Rs10 million for the maintenance of the park, adding a sum of Rs4.5 million was required for fencing the 25,000 toe-wall around the park.

In the proposal, he said he suggested the construction of a small lake, a fountain, 20 benches, lights, a beer house, three enclosures for animals and dustbins.

Recently, the district Nazim and Pirmahal Market Committee chairman had visited the park and had promised to contact the higher authorities for the grant of funds. The chairman pledged that he would provide furniture to the park.

People have urged the Punjab governor to take stock of the situation and direct the authorities concerned to provide grants to the department for giving back the park its original colour.