A 15-hectare eco-tourism project developed by the forest department near the Pinjrapol Gaushala in Pali city continues to remain under lock and key, roughly three years after basic construction finished. Conceived to bring urban residents closer to nature and boost environmental tourism, the ambitious Love-Kush Vatika project was equipped with outdoor recreation and adventure setups. However, despite around 1.5 crore rupees already invested in its establishment, the grand main gate remains locked, keeping citizens away from an asset built with public funds.
Continued Maintenance Funding for a Shuttered Facility
The state government sanctioned a budget of 2 crore rupees in July 2022 to establish a Love-Kush Vatika in every district of the state. In Pali, expenditure on this site has already ranged between 1 crore 13 lakh and 1.5 crore rupees. Yet, even without opening the gates to the public, recurring repair and maintenance expenses continue to draw public money. For the 2026-27 financial year alone, an additional maintenance allocation of 10 lakh rupees has been sanctioned. Local residents have raised questions over the rationale of pouring operational funds into an unused property that city dwellers have not yet been permitted to visit.
Water Scarcity Threatens Six Thousand Planted Saplings
To establish a lush green cover, approximately 6,000 saplings across assorted species were planted throughout the 15-hectare grounds. Today, inadequate care and a severe lack of dependable irrigation have pushed these saplings to the brink of drying out. The single borewell installed on the premises does not yield enough water to meet daily watering requirements. Nature enthusiasts and local citizens warn that unless a reliable water supply is arranged immediately and regular maintenance is institutionalized, the investment made with public money and the green cover will both be lost.
Modern Adventure Infrastructure and Play Zones Gathering Dust
The layout of the park was designed to offer modern entertainment alongside natural scenery. Decorative figures of wild animals, including elephants, crocodiles, and deer, were installed across the grounds. Visitors were provided traditional huts for shade and rest, while a designated kids play area was created for younger visitors. The site also features two tall watch towers offering elevated views of the landscape, a functional solar power plant for clean energy, and a bridge built over a drainage channel.
For teenagers and adventure seekers, the department installed specialized installations such as a balancing bridge, a commando crawl net, a mini zip line, and a wall climbing setup. Because the park has not been inaugurated, these facilities have been left exposed to weathering and dust without ever serving a single visitor, raising concerns about premature depreciation and rust.
Forest Department Promises Swift Opening After Pending Tasks
Addressing the ongoing delays, Forest Department Ranger Prakash Patel stated that out of the total 2 crore rupees allocated by the state, 1 crore 13 lakh rupees have been utilized so far. He noted that the remaining unfinished civil and horticultural works on the premises are being wrapped up promptly. Patel assured that once these pending tasks are completed, an official inauguration will take place, and the public will finally be welcomed inside the park.
