Liquor Parties On Temple Steps: Swawlambi Nagar Ground Turns Into Booze Den | Nagpur News

Nagpur: Liquor bottles on the steps of a Maruti temple, late-night drinking binges at a children’s skating ground, garbage heaps, public urination, and alleged obscene activities — residents of Swawlambi Nagar say a public recreational space in Prabhag 37 has virtually turned into a nuisance hotspot due to alleged official apathy and unchecked anti-social activities.Locals alleged that drunkards routinely gather at the ground till late night, openly consuming alcohol on benches meant for children and parents. By morning, the premises are allegedly littered with broken liquor bottles, tobacco sachets, disposable cups, food waste, and soft drink cans, leaving morning walkers, yoga enthusiasts, and families struggling to use the space. Residents claimed the situation crossed all limits recently when liquor bottles were allegedly found on the steps of the Maruti (Hanuman) temple located within the ground premises. Citizens alleged that public drinking and urination near the compound wall have become frequent occurrences, severely affecting the sanctity of the temple area and safety of local families. According to residents, repeated complaints to police and civic authorities over the years have brought only temporary relief. Locals alleged that the ground — earlier maintained by Jeevanchhaya Society and now reportedly under the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) — suffers from lack of security, supervision, and regular maintenance. Residents further alleged that the premises are frequently rented out for programmes and commercial activities, after which heaps of garbage are left unattended for days. Citizens also accused local authorities and elected representatives of ignoring repeated complaints despite photographs, videos, and written representations submitted by residents. Frustrated over inaction, residents of Prabhag number 37 eventually formed a WhatsApp group to collectively coordinate complaints with police, Nagpur Municipal Corporation officials, and traffic authorities. Though sustained follow-ups reportedly improved cleanliness temporarily, locals say anti-social activities and illegal dumping continue unabated. Residents have now pinned hopes on newly elected women corporators to restore cleanliness, security, and dignity to the public ground and temple premises. First-time corporator and law panel chairperson Nidhi Telgote on Tuesday raised the issue with city police. “I visited the skating ground and Maruti Mandir premises at Swawlambi Nagar along with DCP Rushikesh Reddy regarding complaints of late-night drinking, antisocial activities, and public nuisance in the area,” she said. DCP Reddy assured continuous monitoring and regular checks at grounds, open spaces, and public places across the prabhag to prevent such incidents and maintain safety and discipline in the locality.