DEPRC in Ukhrul a stark testimony of negligence, apathy
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, November 11 2013: The Duncan Ecological Park and Research Centre (DEPRC), a delight for school children and favourable spot for picnickers in Ukhrul, is a stark testimony of negligence by the concerned authorities of the state.

The condition of the government-run park and research centre in the district is all but a wilderness.

In a recent visit to the ecological park and research centre by this reporter, it was found out that the Duncan Ecological Park and Research Centre (DEPRC) lays in utter negligence and no sign of maintenance is visible.

The government's only park and centre in Ukhrul, which is managed by Forest department, has a potential for conversion into a comprehensive institute.

However, the prevailing situation has a different story to tell.

DEPRC, which is located about 5km in the outskirts at Seichum-ahang, has an amusement park for children in serene surrounding.

Duncan Ecological Park and Research Centre (DEPRC)

The amusement parks, however, are left neglected and surrounded by bushes and thickets.

In different locations, a number of five rest sheds have been constructed, but all the seats are now rendered almost unfit for sitting and some of the sheds are in dilapidated state.

The park and the centre was inaugurated on September 5 in 1998 by the then Deputy Chief Minister Rishang Keishing.

Since then it has not shown any visible activities undertaken by the relevant department to promote and develop the place.

A recently constructed four-storey watch tower inside the park stands on questionable architectural structure as a single person movement on top swings the tower precariously.

For visitors wishing to get a bird's eye view from the top which overlooks the Shirui peak, it was quite a scary experience.

Kiddies Unique School principal, Shimreingam Khamrang, feels the park should be beautified and maintained to attract more visitors.

He opined that it can emerge as a potential spot for recreation for children and family.

"The park is also not known even among the majority of people in the town, it should promoted and given publicity so that the locals have regular access," he added.

On Saturday last, students from Kiddies Unique School visited and enjoyed a daylong time at DEPRC.

On being asked, many young school children expressed that it's their maiden experience in the amusement park.

In fact, the district has no amusement centre for children.

DEPRC also has a botanical garden with rich flora and fauna.

It's a definitely a delight for nature lovers.

Interestingly, nothing has been heard from the research centre of conducting any study on ecological and environmental issues.