Haathi Park runs into jumbo hurdles: Crumbling infra, poor upkeep & neglect

Time of India

10 hours ago

Lucknow: Once a vibrant public space and weekend destination for families, the famous Haathi Park in the Old City is now a picture of neglect. Crumbling infrastructure, broken play equipment, and a complete absence of maintenance have left the park in a dilapidated state, paving the way for drug addicts and criminal elements to take over the premises after dark.
Located strategically between the Daliganj railway and road bridges on MG Road, the park was once famed for its concrete elephant structure with internal stairs that children could climb. Now, it stands vandalised and misused, with its trunk and mouth reportedly being used to stash drugs.
Mohan Singh, a shopkeeper in the locality, said: "The swings are broken, the lights don't work, and there's no one to guard the area.
Criminals and addicts start gathering here every evening. What used to be a safe space for kids is now a spot we avoid after sunset."
Discarded syringes, empty liquor bottles and tablet wrappers litter the park's corners. Despite repeated complaints, there was no response from the Lucknow Municipal Corporation or the police.
Meera Yadav, a Daliganj resident, said: "It's as if the authorities have abandoned this place."
by Taboola
by Taboola
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"In the 1990s and early 2000s, Haathi Park and the adjacent Buddha Park were among Lucknow's most popular public spaces. With a nominal Rs 5 entry fee, they attracted hundreds daily and were part of every Lucknowite's childhood. While Buddha Park was renovated, Haathi Park was left to decay. It deserves the same attention," said Abdul Rauf, 68, a retired govt teacher from Chowk.
Residents are now demanding that the LMC steps in to restore the park, with proper lighting, round-the-clock security and basic upkeep.