There are at least 16 playgrounds in the capital where children and teenagers are not allowed to enter for sports. The playgrounds are occupied for motor garage, shops and garbage disposals. Although there are strict laws to protect fields and water bodies in the country, these are not enforced.
According to a news report of The New Nation on Wednesday, rising youths will face an environmental crisis which will hamper their physical growth, if such occupation continues. For this reason, the playgrounds should be freed immediately from the grabbers. Golapbag playground is one of the most popular playgrounds of the city under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). It was a good place for the playing of the youths in Jatrabari and Sayedabad areas. But Orion Group grabbed the playground during the construction of Mayor Hanif flyover. They left the playground in 2013 in a dilapidated condition. But they did not restore the playground for use or playing. The playground is now freed, but almost unfit for playing for the youths and children. Another playground at Jatrabari Chowrasta also became a victim of Mayor Hanif flyover. It was also occupied and left in the same style. Bulk portions of the playground are now being used as political parties, clubs and different illegal shops.
The DSCC authorities have a long plan to make all the playgrounds and parks in the city. In Lalmatia Colony field, mall food hotels and tea stalls have sprung up there. There are piles of garbage lying here and there. It is learned that the field is also used for markets two or three days in a week. The DSCC has 31 parks and playgrounds but most of them are now under occupation of political and influential quarters. We must restore the playground for restoring city life and making the city liveable.
