Has the boating park and swimming pool controlled by Arambagh municipality turned into a den for antisocials? Local residents allege that alcohol and cannabis are being sold freely at the swimming pool and boating park located in the Talarpara area of Arambagh. Although there is an office room in the park, it remains locked at all times. There is no security guard. Taking advantage of this, antisocials have made it their base. The movement of eve-teasers and couples getting intimate publicly has become a cause of discomfort for many. Local women have become vocal about this issue.
According to local sources, a few days ago, a young man died by drowning in the swimming pool. After that, women united and appeared at the office of municipal chairman Samir Bhandari. They clearly stated that if the condition of the park does not improve, they will launch a bigger movement. They will not hesitate to take the law into their own hands.
Allegedly, seeing the determined stance of the protesting women, the chairman lost his temper. He bluntly said, "Do whatever you can." This spread tension in the municipal premises. After this, they also went to Arambagh police station. They did not get any assurance from there. Coming out of the police station, the women entered the park in groups and drove away the eve-teasers. The antisocials also got scared seeing the women and fled. The municipal authorities have become extremely uncomfortable due to this incident.
Questions have been raised as to why security guards were not appointed at the municipality-controlled boating park and swimming pool. Why were no people kept for the maintenance of the park? Allegations are being made that while there is a post for security guard for the park on paper, no one has actually been appointed. The question arises: where is the money allocated for this going? Locals have become vocal demanding immediate arrangement of adequate lighting in the park and appointment of security guards and supervisors. This incident has created quite a stir in the area.
The Talarpara area in ward number 19 of Arambagh, where the park is located, is inhabited by affluent people. Among them, some are businessmen and some are government employees. The occurrence of such an incident there has caused considerable discomfort to the ruling party.
Municipal chairman Samir Bhandari says, "All arrangements will be made. Such work is not possible in a hurry." He has assured increased police patrolling in the area for security.
