The parks of Dwarka boast off open air gyms. However, most of these gyms are badly maintained. Several people have injured themselves while using the rusted and damaged equipment in these outdoor gyms. These gyms are mostly located in the DDA parks and SDMC parks.
Vinay Negi, a resident of Sector 4, said, “Most of the fitness equipment of our gym, which is located in the DDA park cannot be used. The cross trainer and the wheel machines are damaged. Nobody seems to be accountable for the maintenance and upkeep of the outdoor gyms in the subcity.”
The gyms located in the parks of Sector 4, Sector 6, Sector 10, Sector 12, Sector 13 and Sector 14 have the worst equipment.
Sunita Yadav, who frequents the gym in the MCD park of Sector 14 cut her finger while using the wheels. She said, “The handle of the wheel is damaged. All damaged equipment must be immediately repaired.”
According to sources there are over 50 open gyms in the public parks of Dwarka. DDA is the civic authority that has installed these open gyms. So why is it indifferent about maintenance?
One DDA officer said on condition of anonymity, “Actually we commissioned the gyms. The actual installation was done by a private company who was entrusted the charge of maintenance. However, today after three years (since installation) things have changed. The company is no longer involved with us and hence there is no maintenance.”
More open gyms are being installed in the parks under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation. However, there is ambiguity in terms of maintenance. “We do attend to complaints but there is no proper system or body in charge of maintenance," said an official on condition of anonymity.
