Osmani Udyan, Panthakunja Park become criminals’ hotbed, no one to see
Modernisation of two major parks in Dhaka, Osmani Udyan and Panthakunja Park, has been underway since January 2018 with the aim of beautifying the city’s green spaces. However, what was supposed to be a one-year project has become a hotbed of criminals and unethical activities. Despite the fact that the parks were already frequented by a large number of people who enjoyed the park’s tranquillity and greenery before construction began, the Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) failure to complete the project on time has resulted in their current state of abandonment.
The project deadline for Osmani Udyan was extended in 2019, and the cost increased from Tk 54 crore to Tk 89 crore for additional works like setting up food courts, museums, libraries, and better drainage systems. However, the project was still not completed by the new deadline of June 2021, which was subsequently extended further. DSCC finally cancelled the contract for the Osmani Udyan development work with the assigned construction firm around eight months ago, after failure to meet at least three deadlines.
Despite DSCC’s Tk 19.20 crore beautification project, development of the triangular Panthakunja Park was suspended due to a dispute between the DSCC and the competent government organisations over the installation of Elevated Expressway pillars within the park. DSCC has stated that it wants to protect the park entirely and keep it as a green space and public space. The DSCC has opined that they will not allow installation of elevated expressway pillars inside the park as the MRT line has already crossed this area already.
Urbanists said there is a significant shortage of public places and parks for residents of the two areas. Blocking citizens’ access to urban open spaces in the name of development is nothing short of depriving people of their rights. Osmani Udyan and Panthakunja Park are vital breathing spaces of Dhaka. Their current state of abandonment is totally unacceptable.
