Reeling under neglect: Thick vegetation covers portions of MG Park in Hubballi
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Visitors said tall grass has taken over both sides of walking paths, narrowing the usable space and making movement difficult for morning and evening walkers. Several walkers said the thick vegetation also reduces visibility along the tracks, heightening safety concerns, particularly during early and late hours when footfall is low. Visitors said packs of stray dogs are frequently seen moving through the overgrown areas and along walking tracks. Manjunath Naik, a resident of Karwar Road, said stray dogs have made routine exercise risky, prompting some walkers to avoid parts of the park altogether. HDMC sources said the investment was intended to improve public amenities and create a well-maintained green space at a prominent city location. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali said maintenance of the park is the contractor’s responsibility. He said a notice would be issued to the contractor to clear the overgrowth and ensure proper upkeep of the park.
Hubballi : Mahatma Gandhi Park, located in the heart of the city, is crying out for attention, with overgrown vegetation turning parts of the premises into a jungle-like stretch. Regular visitors have raised concerns over safety risks posed by the dense growth and the continuing stray dog menace. Families and elderly visitors have also voiced concern, saying the park no longer feels safe for casual visits, particularly with children. The park’s condition has drawn sharper criticism as it was redeveloped under the Smart City project at a cost running into crores. However, visitors alleged that basic upkeep such as grass-cutting and regular cleaning has been neglected. Ruksana Makandar, a resident of Old Hubballi, urged authorities to restore routine maintenance, clear the overgrown grass along walking paths and tackle the stray dog menace. She also sought consistent monitoring to prevent further deterioration of the park despite the substantial expenditure on its redevelopment. Download the TOI App.