DDA move: Appu Ghar faces closure

Delhi's first amusement park, Appu Ghar, is on the verge of a closure.

The DDA has decided to house the Supreme Court Lawyers' Chambers and other government offices on Appu Ghar land.

This comes as a huge disappointment to local residents, especially children, for whom the amusement park has been a favourite haunt for the last 24 years.

''They shouldn't close down Appu Ghar. It has been a landmark,'' said Sunaina, a student.

Uncertain fate

After giving up a couple of acres of its allotted land to the Metro the Appu Ghar Water Splash had to close down six months back.

Now authorities fear the same for the entire amusement park, but can do nothing to move the DDA's decision.

The lease of Appu Ghar expired in 1998 and is yet to be renewed.

''Appu Ghar's future is uncertain. Why couldn't the government find land for the chambers somewhere else,'' said BG Krishnan, COO, International Amusement Limited.

Location advantage

DDA officials say the land is situated right next to the Supreme Court and can be used to accommodate the lawyers' chambers.

For Appu Ghar, alternative sites have been suggsted, but land is available only in the outskirts of Delhi or Dwarka.

With a daily footfall of 6,000 people, the central location of the amusement park will be missed sorely.

''This is centrally located and a good place to get one's children and de-stress. It will be difficult to travel to Dwarka for everybody,'' said Prarthana Sehgal, a regular visitor.

A decision on the matter will now be taken by the High Court next month.

-- NDTV

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