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Barwani
:
Panic broke out at the municipality-run Ladli Behna Vatika, formerly Joggers Park, in Barwani on Saturday night after nearly a dozen venomous snakes were spotted across the premises, some near visitors out for their evening walk.The sightings led walkers to flee the park. Videos of the reptiles filmed by residents quickly went viral on social media, triggering fresh concerns over the park’s safety and upkeep.Park caretaker Farhan Sheikh said he alerted Leader of Opposition Rakesh Singh Jadhav soon after the snakes were spotted. Following this, Jadhav, who is also Ward No. 9 councillor, along with local residents, had the park’s lights switched off as a precaution and the gates shut, appealing to citizens to stay away until the matter is resolved.Jadhav alleged that the park’s rear boundary wall, facing a nearby drain, is damaged, allowing snakes, stray dogs and cattle to enter freely. He also pointed to poor evening lighting and claimed anti-social elements and intoxicated persons sometimes gather inside the park. He questioned why the administration was delaying wall repairs until drain-related construction was completed, arguing the two works were unconnected.He demanded immediate reconstruction of the boundary wall, improved lighting, gate regulation and regular maintenance. He noted the park, among the largest and most centrally located in the district headquarters, draws 150-200 morning walkers and 200-250 evening visitors, raising safety concerns, particularly for children, the elderly and women.Responding to the allegations, Barwani Nagar Palika chief municipal officer Sonali Sharma said, “The damaged wall section lies behind the drain, where a retaining wall is currently under construction. The boundary wall will be rebuilt once that work is complete.”She maintained that lighting and cleaning arrangements at the park were adequate, and said the administration has written to the forest department regarding the snake sightings.