Encroachment on BSL Sector Parks Sparks Safety and Health Concerns

The green parks and playgrounds once developed by Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) to provide a healthy environment for its township residents are steadily disappearing under the weight of encroachment. Today, children are losing safe spaces to play, while senior citizens are being forced to take their morning and evening walks on busy roads—putting their lives at constant risk.

With one of India’s largest steel plants operating round the clock, Bokaro’s residential sectors are routinely exposed to industrial emissions, including gases and fine particulate matter. To offset the impact of air pollution, BSL had created children’s parks, playgrounds and green open spaces across its sectors, offering residents a cleaner environment for recreation and exercise.

However, many of these public spaces have gradually fallen prey to illegal occupation. Residents allege that parks meant for children and community use have been converted into commercial establishments or permanently encroached upon. One such example is the Children’s Park near Bokaro Mall in Sector-3, where shops have reportedly been constructed despite the land being designated as a public recreational space.

Local residents say the issue has gone unchecked for years, with little visible action from the authorities. They warn that if immediate steps are not taken to reclaim these parks, the township risks losing its already shrinking green spaces.

The consequences are becoming increasingly visible. With playgrounds disappearing, children are spending more time on mobile phones instead of engaging in outdoor sports and physical activities. At the same time, elderly residents—many of whom live alone after retirement—have no option but to walk along busy roads, exposing themselves to accidents and health hazards.

Residents believe that parks are not merely recreational spaces but essential community assets that promote physical fitness, mental well-being and social interaction. They have urged the BSL management to launch a comprehensive survey of all sector parks, remove encroachments, and restore these public spaces for the benefit of children and senior citizens.

What Residents Say

Ashok Kumar Mishra, Retired BSL Engineer

“Those who devoted their youth to building BSL now don’t even have a safe ground to walk in their old age. Senior citizens are forced to walk on roads, where the risk of accidents is increasing every day.”

Akhilesh Kumar, Sector-4 Resident

“Almost every sector has witnessed encroachment on children’s parks and playgrounds. In Sector-3, even the Children’s Park has been overtaken by shops. Children are losing play areas, while senior citizens have nowhere safe to walk.”

Advocate Amar Nath Prasad, Sector-2D

“The Children’s Park in Sector-2D has also been encroached upon. Without playgrounds, children are spending more time on mobile phones instead of outdoor games, which is affecting their physical health.”

Advocate Sanjeev Kumar Upadhyay, Sector-3

“BSL management should immediately inspect every park and playground across the township. These public spaces must be freed from encroachment. Safe parks are essential for both children and elderly residents, who otherwise have no choice but to walk on roads.”