We all agree that the one area that has been beautifully preserved and functions superbly in dysfunctional Gurgaon is the Aravali Bio-diversity Park on MG Road. It is a haven and an oasis in our dirty concrete jungle. And it is thus because it is being maintained by the NGO "I am Gurgaon", which charges us, the citizens, nothing at all for the sterling job it does.

This is what the media has said: "From a barren piece of land in 2004 to a lush-green sanctuary hosting birds, mammals, reptiles, rare ayurvedic plants, butterflies and other insects, the Aravalli Biodiversity Park is the most incredible ecological transformation that Gurgaon has seen so far. Spread across 692 acres of land, the park is currently hosting 20 distinct forest communities (group of trees). In approximately eight years, since the plantation began in 2005, the biodiversity park has become a home for over 1,000 different species of plants, 190 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies and over a lakh species of insects and 24 species of reptiles," said Dr M Shah Hussain, ecologist and scientist in-charge of the park."

Now, due to the usual tendency of officialdom to take control of anything that is working well, combined with its overweening egotism, the MCG has passed a resolution to take over the upkeep and maintenance of this Park. You know exactly what this means! It reportedly even plans to start a night safari which will surely destroy whatever peace and tranquility for both the flora and fauna in the Park which in any case are under severe pressure with the unbridled mushrooming of buildings in Gurgaon. One assumes that such safaris will be charged for, thus making some people very rich.

Why does the MCG not focus on the abysmal state of roads, sewerage, cleanliness and garbage collection and disposal which should be its main concerns? Why should it spend its time on something that works well? You know as well as I do.

Thus please join me by petitioning the Hon CM and Gurgaon MLA to stop this unnecessary takeover by the MCG and ensure it first concentrates on its core tasks, many of which are hugely incomplete and unaccomplished, and for which the MCG has been formed in the first place.