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Nagpur: Only 70 of Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) 204 gardens have security guards, leaving most civic gardens without dedicated security despite repeated complaints of drinking, drug use, and anti-social activities. Now, after a series of incidents, the civic body has sought guards for 26 more gardens. “We have guards deployed at 70 gardens across the city. The total number of gardens managed by the civic body is around 204,” Garden Superintendent Amol Chorpagar told TOI.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Garden) Ganesh Rathod confirmed the move, saying guards will be deployed in shifts. TOI had previously reported residents’ concerns about liquor consumption and other illegal activities in public gardens after security measures were scaled down. The security gap came into sharp focus in July when suspected cannabis plants were found growing inside the NMC-run Gajanan Garden in Ajni-Gajanan Nagar. Former corporator Munna Yadav raised questions over surveillance and maintenance, while local residents complained of suspicious movement and alleged anti-social activities in the garden. Empty liquor bottles and other objectionable material were also found at some gardens. Residents have sought better lighting, CCTV surveillance, regular inspections, and coordination with local police, apart from security guards. With nearly two-thirds of NMC’s gardens still without dedicated guards, the civic body will also have to ensure that the additional deployment covers vulnerable evening and night hours rather than merely regular garden timings.
The Gajanan Garden case follows earlier complaints over the misuse of NMC gardens.