A report published by this newspaper yesterday reveals an alarming fact about Dhaka's parks. The capital city, ranked one of the worst liveable in the world, has only 54 parks when, ideally, it should have 92. 

That's only one side of the problem, though. Many of the existing parks are inaccessible to the citizens for recreational activities. According to the report, at least 10 parks in several parts of the city have been encroached on by powerful quarters. Parking lots, community centres, kitchen markets and mosques have replaced trees and shrubs that used to be a refuge to the city dwellers amidst the maddening chaos of the Dhaka City. And this has happened apparently with the acquiescence of the city corporation itself. Many of the major parks remain a haven for illegal activities such as prostitution, drug peddling and gambling, not to mention the rampant smoking. 

There lies deep-seated within all of us an instinctive need for occasional moments of solitude, alone with nature. Research shows, the sights and sounds and smells of birds and trees are good both for the body and the soul. We need parks to keep us sane in the midst of bricks and concrete. For the healthy development of the children and adults alike, parks are essential to our being. 

We urge the city corporation officials to strictly enforce the laws to manage the existing parks more efficiently and save others from illegal encroachment.