This story is from August 1, 2014

Once a thing of beauty, Gudiya Talab now a picture of neglect

The condition of Gudiya Talab located in the heart of the city near Allahabad railway station had deteriorated.
Once a thing of beauty, Gudiya Talab now a picture of neglect
ALLAHABAD: The condition of Gudiya Talab located in the heart of the city near Allahabad railway station had deteriorated. Though it was renovated some years back but now it in a shambles as iron grill around the pond has been broken at several points and several illumination points are not working. Gudiya Mela is going to be organised there on the occasion of Nagpanchami on Friday.
The iron grills that have been placed around the pond are broken. At some places, shops selling tyres exhibit the items on the railings of the park, making a mockery of the facelift given to this place some years back. Shades that have been constructed for providing relief to the people from the sun had also been broken.
Decorative lamps which were put around the boundary of the talab have also become non-functional. Most of them have been broken. Though some halogen lights were placed to provide illumination to the place but some of them has been fused and not replaced.
The approach road leading to the talab is also in deteriorating condition and full of potholes. The pond become a favourite haven for anti-social elements, who hold liquor and gambling sessions at night. It takes place under the vigilant eyes of police which is located nearby. The AMC had not deployed anyone to maintain the talab. Resident of the area Manish Dubey said: "We were happy when Gudiya Talab was given a facelift some years back. However, now the condition has reversed as the place has become a haven for anti-social elements. They create nuisance in the area."
Another resident Prakash Singh said " Allahabad Municipal Corporation must undertake steps for renovation of the Gudiya Talab so that it can once again become the favourite spot of the people. The fused lights should be immediately replaced so that proper illumination can be provided during night hours. The Allahabad Municipal Corporation and the district administration jointly renovated Gudiya Talab some years back. It was also inaugurated by the then state environment minister Ujjwal Raman Singh on August 5, 2006. New railings were set up. Decorative lights were installed. People thronged the place in the evening for stroll in the lush and green surroundings. The central pond which remain dry throughout the year, is filled with water, courtesy office of Jal Sansthan that is located in the vicinity.
SL Yadav, an official of AMC, said: "As the Corporation is grappling with shortage of manpower, it is not possible to maintain Gudiya Talab. We are thinking of handing its maintenance to private parties."
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About the Author
Ashraf Jamal

Ashraf Jamal writes for The Times of India from Allahabad. He covers the Allahabad Municipal Corporation and North Central Railway (NCR).A postgraduate in humanities from Allahabad University, he loves to take part in discussions on developmental issues and relishes ethnic cuisines at different food outlets in the city.

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