Central Perk

Published in The Times of India, March 09, 2007

Been mourning the loss of CP’s Central Park to Delhi Metro? Well, it’s time to perk up. The green lung is back in action, and how

AMIN ALI

For the past five years, Delhites lamented the loss of Central Park, grieved its takeover by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, mourned because after a shopping spree in CP, there was no place to rest, no statuesque Ashoka trees to relax under, no gurgling fountains to admire… Had Central Park vanished forever from the heart of Delhi?
Memories of those lazy afternoons and swaying trees faded behind the metal sheets bearing ominous signs: ‘Delhi Metro’ and ‘Under Construction’. Some hoped that the promise of a park makeover would come true; others peeped through construction paraphernalia for a preview; yet others waited.

NATURAL MAKEOVER

I waited too. And when the park was recently opened to the public, I decided to spend a not-so-crowded evening there. As I stepped in, the first thing that caught my eye was the lush green grass covering every spot in the 27,000 sq m expanse. I looked at my shoes, wondering if they would hurt the grass or blotch its beauty. I thought of the men and machines that keep the lawn immaculately manicured and immediately hopped on to the red pathway skirting the grass.
I walked a bit with the crowd that seemed to be enjoying the evening out. I looked at the trees that would soon flower and spread their fragrance in a city tired of the odour of smoke and gas emissions. I couldn’t count all the trees, nor identify them all but I was told 500 new ones have been planted with nearly 1,000 shrubs to complement them. I heard the fountains gurgle. I was told there are 21. And then there’s the water cascade that adds to the renewed allure of the park.

MUSIC AND LYRICS

Fountains and flowers aren’t unusual in a park, but an amphitheatre? Curious, I walked towards it. From a distance, I could see an arcshaped amphitheatre, appearing to float over the greenery. Spread over 60 sq m, the theatre has seven steps, each capable of seating 50. As it got dusky, I sat on one of the steps. As I wondered about life and new beginnings, I heard denly felt worry-less and wanted to break into a jig; there are no charges for performing in the amphitheatre! Who knows when someone might get into the mood for an impromptu flute recital or a melodious alaap?

LIGHT OF MY LIFE

Darkness set in but nobody was in a rush to leave. So well-illuminated is the park with fluorescent bulbs, looking quite elegant on dark poles, whispers—an elderly couple lamenting the loss of values in society; young students worried about their physics examination. I sudthat you feel very safe. You needn’t worry about load-shedding either—there’s power back-up!
I stay put in the amphitheatre, looking at CP across the road. To feel the market’s hustle-bustle while sitting in a serene spot is an experience no other place can offer. I knew I would spend many more evenings in Central Park. All perked up!

FACT FILE

WHERE IT IS: In the inner circle of Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place)
HOW TO REACH: Well connected by all Metro routes, Rajiv Chowk being a central station
WHEN TO GO: Ideally, go in the evening when you may catch a music show or play in the amphitheatre; entry free