PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
At a time when gender neutral governance and laws are eliciting focus across the nation with Dehradun suffering from the lack of open space and public parks, the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) is planning to develop the city’s first ‘Pink Park’- a public space to segregate women in the Vijay Park ward.the ‘Pink Booth’ established by the administration to cater to complaints of women in the Paltan Bazaar area has ended up as a failure but the corporation is planning to work on an initiative which may project Doon as unsafe for women when the State government is claiming otherwise for the entire State.
The proposed park aims to provide a safe, comfortable and environment where women can walk, exercise, relax and participate in recreational activities without hesitation, irrespective of the fact that the same can be done in many other areas of the city. The initiative is supposedly a part of the civic body’s broader efforts to create safer and more women-friendly public spaces in the city.
Dehradun municipal commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey said that the corporation is preparing a detailed proposal for the project. Once approved, the park’s design, cost, area and facilities will be finalised. The MCD is also working on the renovation and beautification of other parks across the city. The proposed Pink Park will cater to women of all age groups and is expected to include walking and jogging tracks, an open gym, Yoga and meditation spaces, landscaped gardens, seating areas, recreational zones and a food corner offering nutritious snacks and beverages.
To ensure convenience and safety, the park will have clean public toilets, sanitary napkin vending machines, sanitary pad disposal units, drinking water facilities, proper lighting, CCTV surveillance and emergency help points. According to the proposal, only women and children up to 10 years of age will be allowed inside the park, creating a dedicated space where women can spend time freely and comfortably.
Pandey said that this park is envisioned as more than just a recreational space. It is expected to promote women’s health, fitness, mental well-being and social interaction while encouraging greater participation of women in public spaces.
