MUZAFFARABAD: The district administration of Muzaffarabad has fixed the opening and closing hours of a garden managed by Parks and Horticulture Department in an upscale neighbourhood, following persistent complaints about its misuse by rogue youngsters.

As per the decision taken in a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mudasser Farooq, Jalalabad Garden would remain open from 12 noon to 11 pm. After 11 pm, the main gate would remain closed to the public until the following no on.

The Parks and Horticulture Department was tasked with installing a clearly visible notice board at the site toinform visitors about the new schedule.

The meeting was convened in the wake of reports that Jalalabad Garden though intended as a recreational space for families had been drawing groups of unsupervised youngsters who allegedly engaged in abusive and disruptive behaviour during late hours, making it uncomfortable for respectable citizens to visit.

To ensure a family-friendly environment, the meeting decided that lady police personnel would be deployed to oversee the presence of female visitors, while local police would conduct routine patrolling to discourage the entry and gathering of disorderly youth. Staff Correspondent