The Senior Citizens’ Welfare Manch (SCWM), a group of about 30 residents, has dedicated itself to the development of the park, surrounded by 14 societies.
The DDA park in Sector 11
The DDA park in Sector 11, Dwarka, is a scene of inspiration — senior citizens can be seen watering plants, pruning the green and even cleaning the premises.
When you can, you must: This simple thought is the driving force behind Senior Citizens’ Welfare Manch (SCWM), a group of about 30 residents. The team has dedicated itself to the development of the park, which is surrounded by 14 societies — including Appu Enclave, Rama Apartments, Gold Croft Apartments — and about 6,000 families.
The members of SCWM in a meeting
City Spidey visited the park and got into a free-wheeling conversation with SCWM secretary SC Gupta.
He said, "This park used to be deserted earlier. In 2014, a few of us — mostly friends who were regular visitors to the park — decided to do something about it. And now the results are for all to see. Today, the park is one of the most well-maintained in the area.”
He continued, “We managed funds for the plants and other things required in the park. We also took help from Delhi Development Authority [DDA]. It was good work.”
Nand Lal, another member of the team who could be seen watering saplings, decided to join the conversation.
He said, "We want to give children a good place to play. This is where senior citizens and women of the societies spend time — so it should certainly be maintained. We have the time, so why not use it to better our surroundings? I am happy doing my bit.”
Nand Lal, one of the members, at work
In fact, the members contribute to the maintenance by pooling in from their savings and pension.
RC Rastogi, SCWM treasurer and a resident of Rama Apartments, said, "We love spending time together with friends in the park. So we want to improve things. But, of course, we have a budget to think of. That’s why we want greater participation from DDA.”
Speaking about the demands, Gupta said, “An open gym, swings and slides for kids, rain shelters, benches — we want all these facilities from DDA. But, of course, an open gym and a rain shelter top our list.”
They have even written to DDA about this, and asked area representatives to join forces.
Ironically, three other parks in the sector — two under the MCD and one under DDA — lie in stark contrast to this one. Hopefully, after seeing the inspiring work the senior citizens have been doing in this one, the authorities will step up to at least maintain their own.
Here's hoping.
