Summary Navya Singh petitioned and tried to find a way to stop local authorities from building a community centre in her local park, in Delhi finally wins the petition. Photo: BBC
(Web Desk) - A 7- year- old Indian girl, who made headlines when she filed a petition in Delhi High Court in a bid to save her neighbourhood park has finally won in court.
Navya Singh petitioned to find a way to stop local authorities from building a community centre in her local park in Delhi.
The local authorities stated in court that they have decided to shift the location of the proposed centre elsewhere, reported the BBC.
Singh the young petitioner said that she was celebrating the victory with her friends.
The park is located in the crowded area of west Delhi, a few minutes’ walk from the young girl’s home. She explains that the park is her “favorite place” and she’s been going there since she was “a baby” visiting the place, “every morning and evening.”
In June, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which manages the park, cordoned off nearly one-third of the area and began construction of the community centre.
When the unhappy residents, including a large number of women, protested in front of the park, the DDA called the police and took over possession of the area.
A number of the residents protested to prevent authorities from continuing the construction. The DDA later called the police to resume their construction work.
From June 26, Navya and other residents couldn’t access the premises of the park anymore. It was barricaded and heavy machinery was brought in and iron pillars were installed.
With the help of her lawyer father Navya filed a petition explaining that it was “a waste of public money” as a community hall already existed within a few meters of the site of the proposed new hall.
There are 14,000 public parks and open spaces in Delhi which are managed either by civic authorities, city government or by the DDA. Despite the poor maintenance of the parks, in densely populated city areas, they are popular spots for children to play and for adults to exercise or socialise.
