A number of residents living around Tau Devi Lal Botanical Garden in Sector 56, Gurgaon, have stopped visiting it for morning walks and yoga practice.
They say open defecation by slum dwellers in a vacant plot adjacent to the botanical garden has left it reeking to the high heavens. Residents say they are also forced to witness people relieving themselves in the open. The slum dwellers dump their garbage here, sometimes even dumping animal carcasses along the wall.
People who frequent the area have urged the civic authorities to stop the slum dwellers from defecating in the open. The residents want the government to take action and remove these encroachments, who are also prone to drunken brawls in the evenings.
Madhu Soni, a resident of Golf Course Road, said, “Most visitors have stopped taking a complete round of the area, as they turn back once they reach the stretch near the slums."
Colonel (Retd) Rishi Raj Rana, a resident of Lions society, Sector 56, said, “The 200-m stretch along the garden wall stinks. It is unbearable! People come here for fresh air. Instead, we are welcomed by this foul smell that makes us sick."
It is evident that if the civic authorities fail to act on the problem, the popularity of the botanical garden will suffer even more. Gradually, people may stop visiting the place altogether.
“I have written to HUDA more than five times and am yet to receive a response," said Mahesh Dayma, former area councillor. "I have also spoken to the pollution department, but they have refused to do anything, claiming HUDA is the one responsible for these problems. The residents often come to me seeking help but I cannot provide any solution to their problem.”
More than 100 slum dwellers have encroached upon the land, in front of Jal Vayu Tower, Sector 56, selling furniture and utensils.
On the other hand, HUDA officials say they are in the process of preparing a record of land owned by the Authority, and once finalised, will start a campaign to remove the encroachments and fence the area.
However, when City Spidey paid the area a visit, a slum dweller painted a plaintive picture.
It turns out there was a temporary toilet in the area for the slum. However, with water supply to this being turned off by Sushant Lok III, they have no option but to take to the open area near the botanical garden.
“We don't like relieving ourselves in open, but what can we do?" said Rubina, a domestic help living in the slum. "The Authority has not provided any toilets. It is especially unsafe at night, but where else can we go?"
