Mangaluru: Public parks across the city are facing serious maintenance issues, with water shortages, dysfunctional toilets, damaged infrastructure and security concerns affecting visitors.At Tagore Park, the water fountain has remained non-functional for several months. Washrooms are frequently closed, while inadequate lighting, particularly at night, has raised concerns among the visitors. Officials said the lighting had been kept limited to prevent miscreants from entering the park and damaging the sanitary facilities.A portion of the compound wall was demolished to facilitate the construction of a pillar, while the children’s play area was removed to make way for flagpoles. The damaged compound wall has also given unauthorised access to the park during the night, raising security concerns. The flooring of the central stage has been damaged.Kiran, junior engineer of Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), said complaints regarding the fountain, cleanliness and damaged compound wall had been received. “I will coordinate with the assistant executive engineer, inspect the park and ensure that the pending maintenance works are taken up,” he said.At Gandhi Park, a caretaker said the last maintenance work carried out by the civic body was in March. No inspection had been conducted since then, he said, adding that hygiene and general upkeep remained a concern.MCC junior engineer Yathish M S said: “We understand the current situation and acknowledge that the park has not been properly maintained by the managing society recently. We will review the necessary administrative steps and initiate the required maintenance.”Kadri Park is also facing water supply problems, leaving its public toilets in poor condition. Garbage has accumulated at several spots, while the dysfunctional toilets have added to hygiene concerns. A regular visitor said the women’s toilet was particularly unhygienic.“It is in a poor state of maintenance, with a strong foul smell throughout the area. It becomes extremely difficult to use. But in certain situations, we are left with no option but to use such washrooms,” she said.K Praveen, senior assistant director of horticulture, Dakshina Kannada, said complaints are being examined. ““We are looking into the department budget. If the repairs require substantial funds, we will process them. If they involve minor issues, they will be addressed immediately,” he said.
