Need to make public places for children safe and better

There are visible cracks on the aeroplane exterior, especially on the cockpit area and near the wings

The iconic Lion's Garden, also known as aeroplane garden, at Santacruz lies in dangerous ruin today. The patch of green on a buzzing intersection provides welcome respite from the scene of relentless traffic. Yet, in March 2009, a little boy died after a concrete section of the replica of Air India aircraft collapsed, because it was not maintained.

A picture showed metallic chairs were corroded inside the plane, posing a danger to cavorting children. On the day the correspondent visited, people were seen without masks as well. Yet it is the state of the infra, from the surface to other infra, in disrepair that is worrying.

We need to learn from our mistakes, not stay at status quo or actually decline in standards. That tragedy should have been such a wake-up call, not just at this facility, but across the city. Children's play areas should be top notch and well-maintained. We do not want fancy expensive equipment, instead good, solid infrastructure, repaired and maintained at regular intervals, is the need of children's play areas in the city.

We must remember that outdoor recreation can be a real challenge for Mumbai's kids. Paucity of space means they are packed into pocket-sized spaces. When they do get access to some parks and gardens, we must ensure that they have a good and, most of all, a safe experience.

We sometimes see adults playing on swings meant for kids. Paan stains on equipment means adults have been spitting betel juice all around. Adults think nothing of vandalising benches, breaking a little something here and there at these parks.

This is not just irresponsible but also criminal. In Mumbai, we have already robbed Gen Next of fresh air and open spaces. Let us preserve with pride whatever little is left, and put safety on the top of that pyramid.