JAIPUR: The Botanical Park at Dravyavati riverfront is lying closed for public despite the work being completed months ago. It adds up to the list of public properties along the riverfront that remain non-functional due to the disinterest of Jaipur Development Authority (JDA). After the change in regime, three parks developed under the Rs 1,600 crore ambitious Dravyavati River Rejuvenation Project have been facing neglect.The Congress government seems uninterested in taking possession of these parks, which are fully ready, from the developer. While the botanical garden is closed, the other two parks are partially open to people.A flagship of former chief minister Vasundhara Raje , the project saw an accelerated progress during her regime. JDA would review the project’s progress each month and got it inaugurated before the assembly elections even as some work was yet to be completed.Only the landscape park was fully developed when the project was inaugurated on August 15 last year. The Bird Park at Panipech was opened for public unceremoniously while the model code of conduct was in order. However, by the time the third theme park of the project, the botanical garden was completes there had been a change in the state government.Due to political apathy, the inauguration of the botanical garden has been delayed besides keeping several other public attractions non-functional.In the Botanical Park, the southernmost of all the three parks, JDA has developed a 200-plus capacity food court, greenhouse and plant nursery.“Earlier, JDA had plans to make the food court functional to gain revenue. Additionally, it was proposed to conduct workshops, fairs and plant exhibitions at the park thereby earning revenue by ticketing system or allowing vendors to sell plants through allocation of some space,” said an official.“The Botanical Park, Bird Park and Landscape Park – part of the Dravyavati River Rejuvenation Project, have facilities like cafes, plant nurseries, urban haat, etc., which are lying unused since JDA is yet to monetise them and select an operator,” the official added.As per sources, the cash-strapped JDA is missing out on revenue by not making these parks functional.“JDA can earn some revenue through entry fee after opening Botanical Park and putting all facilities to use at the Bird Park and Landscape Park. The three parks cost JDA Rs 55 crore, and keeping them unused is unjustified,” added the source.The Heritage Museum and Café at the Bird Park is still not commissioned despite its concept being appreciated and potential to generate revenue for JDA. Similarly, at the Landscape Park there is an open air theatre and urban haat (vendor space).As per the initial plan, JDA proposed to permit citizens to organise private and festival celebrations at the open air theatre. Also, the urban haat was proposed to be utilized by providing space to artisans and vendors at nominal rent thereby showcasing art and products to the public for purchase.JDA’s negligence has also invited criticism from the residents of Mansarovar as they cannot avail the facilities at the Experience Centre at the Shipra Path park. “The cycle track and open air amphitheatre should have been opened for the public as they could be an added attraction. The project was completed after spending public money and people should get the benefit,” added Bhanwar Singh, resident of Mansarovar.

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