The civic body is set to regulate the private use of public playgrounds by city schools.
A new set of guidelines, revised charges for playground usage and stringent conditions for obtaining permission are likely to be approved by the Chennai Corporation council, this month.
The civic body has proposed to increase the charges for use of playgrounds to Rs. 15,000 per year for private higher secondary schools. Private primary schools will have to pay Rs. 6,000 per year.
The Corporation maintains 228 playgrounds, 234 gymnasiums, five indoor stadiums and two swimming pools across the city.
More than 14 playgrounds have been upgraded to star-grade, with well-designed facilities for football, tennis, volleyball, badminton and basketball.
“The new system will regulate the unauthorised use of public playgrounds by private schools. The public facility cannot be used for organising private functions. Coaches of private schools will be able to use the playgrounds for training their students, only after obtaining permission from the officials concerned. We will not allow any activity that proves a hindrance to residents,” said an official.
As per the earlier system that was in place from 1993, the Chennai Corporation charged Rs. 150 for the use of playgrounds for games such as hockey, basketball, handball and kabaddi.
These charges will be revised to Rs. 1,000, as part of regulatory initiatives. The charges for football grounds are likely to be increased from Rs. 250 to Rs. 1,000.
Private trainers of schools will have to pay Rs. 1,000 per month to the Chennai Corporation for use of the skating rinks.
“The charges have been revised to deter the private use of playgrounds and modern sports facilities. Permission to private schools will be cancelled if residents report any hindrance to the public use of playgrounds,” said an official.
