Times News NetworkNagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on Thursday ordered the formation of a committee headed by a retired judge to address the deteriorating condition and shortage of playgrounds across the city, while directing local authorities to explain the status of such spaces within three weeks.A division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode issued the directives after taking note of a TOI report highlighting the absence of a designated playground for children in the Hindustan Colony area on Amravati Road.During the hearing, the bench observed that the issue was not limited to Hindustan Colony alone and indicated that the scope of the case would extend to the entire city.Residents in the locality pointed out that no land was officially reserved for a playground, leaving children without a safe place to play. As a result, many children are forced to play on internal roads during evening hours, creating safety risks due to traffic.Locals also told the court that the lack of open spaces affected not only children but also elderly residents who do not have accessible areas for walking or exercise.Taking note of these concerns, the bench directed that a committee headed by a retired judge be constituted to examine the issue and suggest measures for protecting and developing playgrounds in the city.The committee will also include a retired official from the town planning department, along with officers from various local authorities and domain experts.The court directed the court-appointed amicus curiae, Ravi Sanyal, to suggest names of members for the proposed panel.In addition, the bench issued notices to the concerned civic and planning authorities and directed them to file a detailed response within 3 weeks regarding the condition, availability, and management of playgrounds in Nagpur.The court indicated that the committee would assist in identifying gaps in planning and recommending steps to ensure that adequate play areas and open spaces are available for children and residents in urban neighbourhoods.
