Stop Rajuk's parkside plots
Residents urge govt
Residents of Uttara Sector No-13 yesterday demanded the government stop allotting residential plots in the open space alongside the lone park in the neighbourhood.
At an "environmental rally" facilitated by Paribesh Bachao Andolan (Poba), they also demanded that the open place be attached to the park for its extension, as it is the only place for women and children and is getting more crowded everyday.
The inhabitants said Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) is going to allot residential plots in the open space, and if it does so, the lone place for the social entertainment of the sector will be destroyed and the environment of the entire area will be harmed.
In the concrete jungle, the park is the only breathing place in the sector, they said, adding that it is necessary to have parks and playgrounds for children's physical and mental development as well as for the older citizens to breath and walk there.
They also said there used to be a ditch in the place which was later developed as a park considering the fact that the city has an acute problem of open space.
"Don't squeeze our breath. Let us and our children take breath and live properly," said Salma Fouzia Nur, a resident of the sector.
Dr M Shahadat Ali, president of Sector No-13 Welfare Society, said opposite the park is a playground which is used by men. So the park is the only place where women can walk in the morning and evening and kids can play, he said.
"We have to save this park, if necessary, by shedding our blood. We want that open space to be attached with the park," he said.
Dr Fazlul Haque, general secretary of the society, said Uttara is a model town and we want it so, not any concrete slum. "We have to mount movement to save the park."
Poba chairman Abu Naser Khan said the city has lost many open spaces, playgrounds, and parks due to unplanned urbanisation.
The rest of the open spaces should be kept open for all otherwise the city people would turn into lame populace, he said, urging all to participate in the movement to save all parks in the country.
Residents of other sectors and students of different schools participated in the rally.
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