Prayagraj: One of the city’s oldest and most prominent public parks, Bharadwaj Park, is set for a major facelift after its management was transferred from the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) to Prayagraj Smart City Limited (PSCL). The civic body has entrusted the operation and maintenance of the nearly five-acre park to the Smart City agency, which has already initiated the process of introducing modern amenities, including a cafeteria.Officials said tenders have been floated for setting up the cafeteria, landscaping, beautification, improved lighting and other infrastructure upgrades. The day-to-day maintenance of the park will be handled by a private agency under the supervision of Prayagraj Smart City Limited.Located at Balson Crossing (near Anand Bhawan), Bharadwaj Park has long served as one of the city’s most popular green spaces, attracting morning walkers, children and families. The park was last extensively renovated ahead of the Kumbh 2019, when it underwent large-scale beautification under the city’s infrastructure development plan. Following the makeover, it was handed over to a private agency under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, the agency’s contract expired last year.Since then, the park faced maintenance issues. Municipal officials admitted that regular monitoring became difficult, while electricity supply to the park was reportedly disconnected on several occasions due to pending dues.The park is home to a towering statue of Maharishi Bharadwaj, one of Prayagraj’s most revered ancient sages, installed during the 2019 Kumbh. The statue has become a prominent landmark and attracts visitors throughout the year. Notably, volunteers of Shri Satya Seva Samiti, Prayagraj, have been cleaning and maintaining the statue every second Sunday of the month ever since it was installed. The samiti has also installed a water cooler at the gate of the park and maintains the same, be it cleaning or regular maintenance.Officials said the proposed improvements are aimed at transforming Bharadwaj Park into a better-maintained recreational space while enhancing visitor amenities without compromising its heritage and green character. The Smart City project is expected to improve the park’s overall appeal and ensure sustained upkeep through professional management.
