VARANASE: The Moolgundh Kuti Vihar Park, encompassing the famous Buddhist pilgrim center, Sarnath, is crying for attention as the paucity of funds has crippled its maintenance, leaving it overgrown with bushes and creepers.
The animals of the 65.8 acre parkland, comprising several species Of deer, water birds, tortoises and crocodiles are surviving at the mercy of a contractor, who continues to ‘maintain the food supply on credit.
Forest Ranger Officer K.S. Yadav and in-charge of the park, said the park had been dependent on aid from Japan for a face-lift and expansion program. But delay in the release of this aid has halted the programs, Moreover; the Japanese aid was strictly for the expansion and face-lift. The maintenance was the responsibility of the forest department.
Sources said the Divisional Forest Officer has asked the in charge of the park in a fewer “not to incur any expenses except on food for the animals.” They said it was uncertain how long they could continue to cover costs.
They said the park has 50 deer of different species, 500 water birds including 20 rare species, 12 herbivorous and two carnivorous tortoises and six crocodiles. I also have rabbits, guinea pigs, lovebirds, cockatoos and percupines.
“Moolgandh Kuti Vihar” is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. It has the historic dhamek ‘Stupa, the Ashoka pillar with the lion capital and the famous Bodhi tree, similar to the now extinct bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
However, lack of maintenance has let the once neatly trimmed lawns of the park overgrown with one felt high grass and weeds. The once neatly trimmed hedges on the pathways now block the way. The flower beds surrounding the stupa and the temple have disappeared, Forest department sources said the funds released for maintenance this year was only Rs 2.4 Iakh till date against last year’s expenditure of Rs 15.56 lakh, the minimum requirement.
They said at least Rs 3.6 lakh was needed for feeding the animals and another Rs.1.6 to pay the salaries of the watchmen.
Forest department sources said earlier, the parks used to get Rs six to seven lakh in addition to the amount specifically earmarked for it for the maintenance proposed under Park Vikas Yojana. However, abolition of the scheme has made matters worse, They said the park had an average 2,500 visitors daily. During the month of shravan, the number increases to almost one lakh. A nominal entrance fee can solve the financial crisis, they suggest.
The park received Japanese aid for its expansion to the tune of Rs 40 lakh last year, The money was used in increasing area of the park from 32.8 acres to 65.8 acres. The fund also facilitated the landscaping.
Sources in the forest department said the park has enormous potential for expansion and development it could attract a large number of tourists, apart from pilgrims.
Sources said for this purpose a five: year project of Rs 34.40 crore has: been forwarded to the Government which arranges the Japanese aid.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 20, 1995
