Once celebrated as the green lungs of Vasai-Virar, the city’s gardens and parks have now withered due to neglect. Despite the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) allocating Rs 39 crore for park repair and maintenance in 2024-25, most of its 162 public gardens — including crematorium grounds, scenic gardens, children’s play areas, and lake parks — are in varying states of decay.
A decrepit slide stands out amid the general squalor at Achole Talao Garden
Across the city, broken swings, rusted gym equipment, cracked benches, and unkempt lawns have turned these once-lively public spaces into hazards for children and senior citizens. Playgrounds that once echoed with laughter now lie deserted, buried under garbage and weeds.
Parks only on paper
In Nalasopara’s Sunshine Garden and Vasai East’s Sativali Garden, the neglect is glaring. Damaged slides, rusted frames, and collapsed boundary walls have made the spaces unsafe. “It’s dangerous to even walk here,” said Pratik Patil, a resident. “Broken tiles, no lights, and shattered benches make these parks risky — especially for the elderly.”
Senior citizens say they have been left without safe, open spaces. “Children play on broken swings, risking injury. We often end up sitting on the ground. The corporation must act before someone gets hurt,” said an elderly resident.
A broken slide lies unused at Sunshine Garden in Nalasopara
Municipal data shows the highest number of parks — 56 — are in Ward H (Navghar-Manikpur), followed by Ward A (Bolinj) with 30, and Ward I (Vasai Gaon) with 20. But residents allege that many exist only on paper, while others have been encroached upon or used as dumping grounds.
Last year, one park was even rented out for Ganesh idol sales, locals claim. “Every year, crores are spent, but nothing changes,” said activist Charlie Rosario. “Garbage piles up near walking tracks, and unlit corners have become hangouts for antisocial elements. The civic body and corporators are equally responsible.”
Civic body promises action
VVMC officials insist repairs are underway. “Not all gardens are in poor shape,” said Additional Commissioner Sanjay Herwade. “We’ve surveyed the parks and assigned civil, electrical, and water departments for repairs. Maintenance has been given to women’s self-help groups (SHGs), and we’re exploring CSR tie-ups with corporates and banks for better upkeep.”
Another damaged slide at Sativali Garden
Deputy Commissioner Swati Deshpande confirmed that all 162 gardens were surveyed. “A detailed proposal for repair and replacement has been submitted for approval. Once cleared, tenders will be floated. We’re also reaching out to NGOs and private bodies to partner with us for long-term maintenance,” she said. Deshpande added that SHGs are being trained for upkeep and are paid between Rs 25,000 and Rs 52,000 per park per month, depending on size.
‘Pay hasn’t changed’
However, insiders say the system itself is flawed. “No standard rate is fixed per square foot — just a lump-sum contract,” said a former civic official. “About 130 SHGs, each with 10 members, handle park maintenance. But when equipment breaks or lights fail, it’s the corporation’s job to fix them. People often blame the women unfairly.”
He added that SHG workers are underpaid and overworked. “They toil from 5 am to 8 pm, often without lights or water. The initiative began as a women’s empowerment project, but their pay has been stagnant for years. Many parks don’t have guards, forcing the women to leave early. The corporation must provide security, welfare support, and fair pay,” he said.
He also revealed that complaints from SHGs often go unanswered. “They send photos and updates, but the response is delayed. Occasionally, a survey happens, a few fixes are made, and then things go back to the same state. The city needs regular, recorded maintenance — not patchwork repairs,” he said. For now, residents say they’ve had enough promises — they want their gardens green again.
