Misuse of open sites earmarked as public spaces in residential layouts is a common problem in many parts of Tiruchi.
The public space at Indira Gandhi Street at K.K.Nagar makes for a classic example as the site kept under lock has turned a garbage dump.
The 1,000 square feet site was an abandoned stone quarry that was closed when the layout was promoted in the 1970s. “Some years back, we had developed the site as a play ground for local children and even put up a badminton court. But over the years, it has gone into disuse especially after the City Corporation decided to keep the site locked, preventing access to locals. In the absence of a play ground the children play and go cycling on the road,” said V. Sivaramakrishnan, a resident of the area.
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Although the posh locality looks self-contained with other amenities, the public space has turned an eyesore and also a health hazard for residents. “Wild growth of weeds offers a refuge for insects and garbage is being dumped into the site now. Dry bushes are prone to catch fire,” he said.
Mr. Sivaramakrishnan alleged that even Corporation workers dump garbage in the site. “The truck that comes to clean the garbage is full by the time it reaches our area. As the vehicle is mostly overloaded, some of the garbage is thrown into the site. Following this, some residents have also started throwing waste here,” he said. Civic officials assured to look into the matter.