Hyderabad open gyms fall into disrepair
HYDERABAD: Open gyms set up across the city by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) are falling into disrepair within weeks of installation, raising concerns over quality and oversight.
The corporation has installed nearly 100 open gyms in parks and vacant colony spaces for residents, from children to senior citizens. However, field-level conditions indicate that many of these centres are either partially functional or completely damaged.
Equipment breaks within weeks of installation
In Attapur’s Srilakshminagar Park, an open gym set up six months ago saw equipment breaking down within a month. Residents said no repairs have been carried out since.
At Old Bowenpally’s HL Colony park, the entire gym facility is damaged. Locals said they avoid going near the area due to safety concerns.
In Kukatpally’s Balajinagar women’s park, several machines have been awaiting repairs for months. Kondapur’s KEMT Colony park has rusted children’s play equipment, which residents said could break on touch. The park is also overrun with weeds.
Senior citizens report injuries during exercise
Residents of Upparpally’s Pedda Thallakunta said gym equipment frequently breaks down and that they have been fixing some of it themselves. Exercise equipment at KBR Park has also fallen into disrepair.
Senior citizens who use the facilities during morning and evening walks said poor-quality equipment has led to injuries. “Some machines break while we are exercising. We have suffered hand and leg injuries,” several residents said. Others said using damaged equipment has caused back pain.
Residents alleged irregularities in the procurement of gym equipment across the city and said there is no monitoring after installation. They also said engineers and contractors clear bills soon after installation, but no maintenance is undertaken.
