Preng Park once hosted Indira Gandhi lying in shambles

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 13: Once celebrated for its scenic beauty and historical significance as a thriving tourist destination, Preng Park, nestled in the picturesque Preng area of Ganderbal district, now languishes in disrepair, with local authorities seemingly turning a blind eye to its restoration and preservation.
Preng Park, a place of historical resonance which had even hosted the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is now a shadow of its former glory, causing distress among the local populace.

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The locals fondly reminisce about a time when the park not only provided a relaxing experience for visitors but also created employment opportunities for many. However, the onset of militancy and devastating floods consigned the park to neglect and decay.
Muhammad Yousuf, one of the elder residents of Preng, Gujjarbasti, fondly recollected, “It used to be a beautiful place, and the Government conventions used to be held here for days; this spot witnessed the presence of Indira Gandhi as well as Sheikh Abdullah, who stayed here for weeks together to enjoy the beauty and attraction of the park.”
Residents also highlighted the existence of a guest house and numerous huts, constructed to accommodate officials and dignitaries during their stay, which were all destroyed during the militancy and the catastrophic flood while noting that despite its rich history and scenic landscape, authorities have neglected efforts to restore its legacy.
In its heyday, the park attracted dignitaries and tourists from across the country, as well as students from schools, colleges, and universities in Kashmir.
Syed Zaman Shah, another resident, lamented, “There was immense employment associated with it, and it used to make a difference in the lives of the people. Even on Sundays, police personnel used to be deployed here to manage the rush; such was the flow of tourists. But that is gone now.”
Another resident remembered the park’s beauty, comparing it to Sonamarg due to its location along the Nallah Sindh and its natural landscape.
“One fails to understand that if the Government has opened up new tourist resorts and parks and is working to bring more unknown destinations on the tourism map, why have they ignored this spot, which could leave behind numerous positive effects, especially on the local population,” the locals lamented.
Concerned residents have repeatedly approached the tourism department, appealing for measures to conserve and rejuvenate the park, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
Abdul Hamid Parray, the Sarpanch of Preng, urged authorities to take swift action to restore the tourist resort to its former grandeur, emphasizing the potential for job creation and the alleviation of unemployment-related issues.