Delhi's Disneyland closes down

New Delhi, Feb 17 : Curtains came down on Sunday evening for Delhi's own Disneyland, Appu Ghar, which has for long been a source of delight for every child.

Huge crowds visited Appu Ghar on Sunday for the last time.

Children were sad, as their signature campaigns and urgings to save one of the most popular destinations in the city, was of no avail.

"We are feeling very sad as it is going to be closed. We used to come here almost every Sunday. We used to enjoy all the rides hilariously and will miss all of them now," said Anushka Jaggi, a child visitor.

All hope is, however, not lost with authorities at the amusement park seeking alternative places to house it.

"We are closing down. But we will be visible again in Jaipur. I am hoping that some miraculous decision crops up so that the government is compelled to help us get an alternative land here," Chairman of the Appu Ghar, Gyan Vijeshwar said.

The place where Appu Ghar was located will make way for a new section of the Supreme Court and part of the Delhi Metro station as ordered by the apex court.

The park's closure was well on the cards since the expiry of the land lease between the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation and the International Amusement Limited in 1999.

The fate of over 250 of 'Appu Ghar' employees also hangs in balance with the final hearing of cases on February 19.

Vijeshwar disclosed, "We have come across lots of vacant land in Mehrauli. We wish to shift there. And as Metro will be operable there also, it will not be a problem for the public."

He added that he plans to make eight to nine amusement parks across the country.

Appu Ghar, the country's first amusement park, was opened on November 19, 1984. It got its name from the 'Appu' the mascot of the 1982 Asian Games. Beginning with 10 rides, it graduated to 24.

The place attained more popularity with the introduction of the Water Park and Oysters in 1997.

ANI