Youths demand parks in Shimla to fight drug abuse

12

HimVani

Shimla: A unique movement is taking up shape in Shimla to fight increasing drug abuse among the youth. While experts in the field focus their efforts on de-addiction to counseling, this initiative, steered by youths themselves, is aiming at giving themselves more space, literally. YES (Youth Enlightening the Society), a Shimla-based social action group formed by students, has started a campaign to demand more parks and community centres in the town to fight the menace.

Concerned over increasing cases of drug abuse among the students of Shimla, YES held sessions with students of different schools under a drug awareness campaign and an astonishing fact that came up during the survey. Most of the students complained that they had no recreational activities and parents didn’t allow them to use the television or the computers for a long duration and the burden of studies was so much that they skipped sports and physical developmental activities. They said that there are no parks and recreational centres in and around their localities. All such things like the IG Sports Complex and the State Library are concentrated on the Mall, which is too far from places like Tutu, Phagli, Panthaghati, Dhalli, New Shimla. etc.

YES took concern of this issue and filed an RTI application with Shimla MC asking questions from them about the developmental proposals of new parks and community centres under JNNURM, money that has been spent on development of parks and community centres under JNNURM and if they have any budget for all them. The reply given by MC showed complete indifference as they said: “These activities do not fall under the preview of JNNURM and the proposed budget for parks and new community centres is NIL.”

If we have a look in the ‘Overview’ of JNNURM (available on the official website), it is clearly mentioned that developmental proposals for developing community centres fall under the preview of JNNURM. While the MC commissioner was candid in admitting fault in not providing information, the attitude of local MC officials is questionable.

YES has now identified certain places all over the town where parks can be developed for students and the elderly who have a tough time going for a walk in the morning or during the evenings due to bad condition of roads and heavy traffic. YES has demanded from the state government and the local MC to urgently develop a plan for parks and community centres, failing which the student community will launch an agitation.

To support the cause, either vote positively for the cause on HimVani poll, or write on the issue to editor (at) himvani (dot) com . YES & VOH will share your concerns with the State Government as well as M.C. Shimla.

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12 COMMENTS

  1. The additional parks and recreation areas will benefit everyone in so many ways and Shimla's charms will be enhanced with more space set aside for nature, trees and grass.

  2. The additional parks and recreation areas will benefit everyone in so many ways and Shimla's charms will be enhanced with more space set aside for nature, trees and grass.

  3. Where wil you park them?
    As far as myexperience parks are fuelling anti social activities the parks in Gurgaon are case in point

  4. Where wil you park them?

    As far as myexperience parks are fuelling anti social activities the parks in Gurgaon are case in point

  5. Good number of parks do add to the beauty of a town and it is a fact that with growing population of great historical town of Shimla more beautiful parks are needed in Shimla, and those can be used by aged and youth as well. But that will reduce the menance of drug abuse is a far reaching dream because the root cause of it is lying somewhere and the eradication of that is reqiured and its liking with other factors will be futile excersise.

  6. Good number of parks do add to the beauty of a town and it is a fact that with growing population of great historical town of Shimla more beautiful parks are needed in Shimla, and those can be used by aged and youth as well. But that will reduce the menance of drug abuse is a far reaching dream because the root cause of it is lying somewhere and the eradication of that is reqiured and its liking with other factors will be futile excersise.

  7. no doubt its the era of computers n technology………..but the young generation spends all the time on the computer games or social networking sites rather than playing outside with friends and indulging in physical activity…..one of the reason why they cannot do it is because of the lack of place…..i strongly believe that now is the time that we say YES FOR PARKS

  8. no doubt its the era of computers n technology………..but the young generation spends all the time on the computer games or social networking sites rather than playing outside with friends and indulging in physical activity…..one of the reason why they cannot do it is because of the lack of place…..i strongly believe that now is the time that we say YES FOR PARKS

  9. The Shimla itself is a park,the heritage area of Jakhoo hills,the road leading to Navbahar,even mall from one corner to other ,with benches to sit on and cool mountain air,so where is the park needed there is no need of parks in Shimla.The parks which are already there,are often used by drug addicts,when secluded and should not be encouraged.The main requirement of youth is not parks but play grounds.The indoor sports complex near lift meets the demand for indoor games,but there is need for outdoor play ground for Football Hockey and cricket.This can be met if Annadale ground is used for civilian use with good bus connectivity.Further one or two good malls should be constructed,so that youth can have good time,with latest brands and movies

  10. The Shimla itself is a park,the heritage area of Jakhoo hills,the road leading to Navbahar,even mall from one corner to other ,with benches to sit on and cool mountain air,so where is the park needed there is no need of parks in Shimla.The parks which are already there,are often used by drug addicts,when secluded and should not be encouraged.The main requirement of youth is not parks but play grounds.The indoor sports complex near lift meets the demand for indoor games,but there is need for outdoor play ground for Football Hockey and cricket.This can be met if Annadale ground is used for civilian use with good bus connectivity.Further one or two good malls should be constructed,so that youth can have good time,with latest brands and movies

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