HYDERABAD, Oct 18: Though the people of Hyderabad observed Eidul Fitr with zeal and enthusiasm, they were deprived of festivities as no decent recreation spot exists in all three urban talukas of the district where they could go and celebrate with their families.

Except Qasim Park and Dr Ziauddin Park of the cantonment board and restaurants, the people found only two more places for recreation and entertainment but reluctant to visit with their family because of immoral behaviour of the youth, they experienced in the past.

The famous Rani Bagh of Hyderabad was closed because of ongoing development and renovation work being carried out by the district government while the other known places including Hussainabad Park situated along the protective embankment of River Indus and Barkat Bhai Park located at the top of Ganju Takkar Hill remained barren since many years as a result of negligence of the administration concerned.

Except for a private sponsor who arranged a Fun Gala and Fun Land, which needs latest recreational facilities, no other arrangements were made for Eid festivity for the people of Hyderabad.

Even the Internet cafes, which are the only source of entertainment for youth were closed during the Eid days.The young generation was then found on motorbikes or cars racing on roads and streets causing inconvenience to general public.

The city proud of its famous artists including Mustafa Qureshi, Mohammad Ali, Shahnawaz Ghammon, Neili, Chakori, singers including Abida Parveen, Zareena Baloch, Humera Channa, Shazia Khusk, musician Suhail Rana, broadcaster Inayat Baloch and many others is now out of cultural scene.

The major sources of entertainment at present are only the four cinema houses namely Bambino, New Majestic, Shahab and Qaiser which are functioning as compared to the 21 cinema houses including Kohinoor, Venus, Hilltop, Capri, Rahat, firdous, Shalimar, Odeon, Elite, Capital, Noor Mahal, Shams, Chiragh Mahel, Shaheen and Sangeet, which were operating in the decade of 1980s and now demolished by the owners for obvious reasons mainly for construction of shopping plazas and commercial centres.

The dwindling recreation facilities may have a negative impact upon youth and to arrest disillusion in the new generation, city fathers and citizens must join hands to strive for regaining the past glory of the city .—APP