The new board outside the park asks people to get a temperature check too

NEW DELHI: A few days after TOI reported how a residential society in south Delhi’s Neeti Bagh was not allowing people who were not from the colony to enter the local central park, a fresh board has now been installed withdrawing all restrictions, except conducting temperature checks and wearing masks.
Earlier, people had to produce an identity card with a valid Neeti Bagh address to gain entry to the park. Locals from neighbouring colonies had written to local MLA Somnath Bharti and even lodged a complaint with South Delhi Municipal Corporation questioning the move.
Arjun Bhagat, a resident of Gulmohar Park who had filed the complaint, said the rules were discriminatory and against the law. “A public park was being controlled in a manner that people other than those residing in Neeti Bagh could not enter. I had written to SDMC asking under which law was this being executed,” he added.
Happy with the new board, Bhagat said he was glad that the society was able to understand the problem and rectify it. “My appeal was to bring to their attention the need for inclusivity, understanding and kindness towards all citizens in this difficult and trying time. Little acts like this make us a better and healthier society. The MLA and SDMC both played their parts,” he added.
The earlier notice board put up by Supreme Court Bar Cooperative House Building Society outside the park had listed the terms of usage stating that non-Neeti Bagh residents or guests were not permitted. “Entry to be only allowed on display of ID cards providing residence in Neeti Bagh, and upon entering particulars in a register to be maintained at the gate,” the board read.
The new board now only asks people to wear a mask and get a temperature check done. Visitors should also not have a cough or cold and should be able to show their status on Aarogya Setu app. The park allows only 15 people at a time to reduce chances of spreading of the virus.