SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, May 16: The entry fee at the Golf Ground Park by Dhanbad Municipal Corporation (DMC) triggered sharp protests from sports organizations, charitable societies, political parties and students’ unions.
Rising Charitable Society has shot off a letter to the Town Commissioner protesting against the imposition of an entry fee and monthly fee for Golf Ground Park and gym.
Coordinator of the Society Rajan Sinha has said that Golf Ground was the only public ground in the city where thousands of city denizens especially, retired persons and students used to walk and run. Now, their movement has been restricted. So, the park should be free for at least 3 hours in the morning (5 am to 8 am).
“If the entry fee is necessary for maintenance then at least the daily and monthly charge should be made reasonable,” said Rajan Sinha.
DMC has fixed Rs 15 as the daily entry fee in the park and Rs 300 monthly fee from May 15.
BJP Sadar MLA Raj Sinha also opposed the present structure of entry fee and demanded fixing it keeping the interests of all age groups of people in mind.
The MLA said that Randhir Verma Stadium was a public place where people of all age groups and sections enjoyed the space in the morning and evening but the high entry fee has made their routine tough.
Apart from the MLA, Dhanbad Lawn Tennis Association also protested against the entry fee and alleged that DMC has crippled the people of coal city from breathing in open. According to them, the Golf Ground was the main centre for people to take fresh air but DMC in the name of the park deprived them of it.
“The government says play and maintain health but DMC has killed this opportunity by imposing a high entry fee. If it was needed for the security of the garden, the entry fee should have been kept nominal,” commented Asit Saha, general secretary of DDLTA.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Chhatra Sangh also came out in protest of the entry fee. Sangh’s president Vishal Mahto said that DMC has already snatched Rajendra Sarovar Park from coal city denizens by imposing an entry fee. No other public place Randhir Verma Stadium has been captured in the name of the park. DMC must fix the entry fee keeping student’s interests in mind otherwise, they would be forced to protest.
