The Bhosari Lake garden is a veritable oasis in the desert. Nestled among factories small and big that make up this industrial suburb, it is a popular entertainment and picnic spot.
The Bhosari Lake garden is a veritable oasis in the desert. Nestled among factories small and big that make up this industrial suburb, it is a popular entertainment and picnic spot.
Developed 10 years ago by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) at a cost of Rs4 crore, the garden has facilities like boating, a toy train and a meditation hall, catering to both the young and the old.
The garden is situated off the Pune-Nashik highway, behind Ankushrao Landge auditorium in Bhosari. It was the then standing committee that decided to make a garden since the lake was dirty and they wanted to do something about it.
The garden is picturesque and has a meditation hall at the centre of the lake around which the garden is developed. The toy train station is on the left side of the entrance and gives rides around the garden to children at Rs5 per head.
Sadly, despite the peak holiday season, the train rides have been suspended. The meditation hall too is locked, which defeats the very purpose for which it was built. Speaking to DNA, PCMC garden superintendent, Dattatray Salunkhe explained, “The train is not working because about 2-3 weeks ago, the transformer of was stolen and the problem has not been solved. It will take time before the train starts functioning.”
Regarding the meditation hall, he said, “The meditation hall has not been opened since it was built. It is not being used by anyone. None came forward to use it. But now there is a group that has shown interest in making use of that hall. So we will start making use of it from next month.”
However, a visit to the garden last week revealed that the absence of the train and the mediation hall had not dimmed the enthusiasm of visitors.
Shashi Ingle, a standard VII student, told DNA, “I come to the garden every summer, as I enjoy the train and boat rides. However, I am disappointed that there is no train this
summer.”
The garden has large lawns on either side of a 750-metre long walking track. On the right of the track, plants have been pruned in the shape of animals.
There is a canal circling the garden, which adds to its serenity. It supplies water to small streams that run parallel to the lawns. A bridge passes over the canal.
The garden has an exclusive area for children, which has a fort-like structure in the centre with multiple swings and slides. The area can accommodate 50 children at a time and is always abuzz with the laughter of the little ones.
Sheetal Panwar, a mother of two, told DNA, “This is a great place for both my children. There is a variety of play items here, which is better than our society park, where one of my sons does not like to play.”
Lalita Pillay, a senior citizen who seemed to enjoy her walk said, “This garden is very beautiful and peaceful. I love coming here to spend my evenings as I can see so many children at play. The best part is the greenery. Sadly, the meditation hall is never open.”
In the absence of the toy train, the boating section is drawing the crowds. Prudently, the boatmen insist you wear life jackets. A motor boat ride costs Rs15 per head, while the water scooter ride costs Rs20 per head. A 15-minute ride in a pedal boat costs Rs10 per head.
Joshua Joel, a visitor who seemed to enjoy the boat ride said, “The water seems clean and the geese are waddling around, making it very pleasant.”
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