For over two decades now, a sprawling space of land in Madhanangkuppam falling in Ambattur zone has been serving as a playground. But, a recent proposal to construct a lorry parking facility has caused concern among residents.
Located at Collector Nagar, the playground is spread over six acres and has been used as playground from the time the area was part of a village panchayat. While residents are glad about the improvements being made in the area after it was merged with the Corporation, they oppose the move to build a parking facility in the area meant for the playground.
At present, work is on to build a compound wall and heaps of mud are being dumped in a portion of the ground.
Several areas such as Sabapathy Nagar, Jasmine Nagar, Annai Indira Nagar and Ananthalakshmi Nagar surround the playground. S.Anbarasu, a resident, said many youngsters from other localities like Surapet, Anna Nagar, Muthamizh Nagar, Sharma Nagar and Vyasarpadi also use the playground during the weekends. Cricket and football tournaments are also held in the locality.
R. Murugan, president of Madhanangkuppam People Welfare Association, said this was one of the few facilities for sports in the Ambattur zone. “We fear that the playground land will be eventually converted into a dumping yard or any other building. Instead, the civic body could develop the playground with a park. We are planning to hold a demonstration shortly,” he said.
Chennai Corporation sources said only a few grounds of land has been taken for the facility to park Corporation vehicles. The remaining portion would be developed as a playground.
