The Chennai Corporation has started earmarking area in parks and public spaces for development of the next phase of Metro stations in various parts of the city.
Greenery in several parks, including the Murasoli Maran Park in Perambur, is expected to be reduced because of the second phase of the Metro Rail project, Corporation officials said.
The proposed Perambur Metro station will be developed on 3,300 sq m of the park, which covers an area of 8,473 sq m.
The park, one of the most important public spaces in north Chennai, attracts a large number of residents, officials note.
The park, named after Maran, a DMK leader and former Union Minister, was inaugurated by the previous DMK government, after the construction of the flyover at Perambur.
Former councillor M. Jayasree said the residents may not like the proposal of developing a Metro station by reducing the area of the park. Jamalia resident Ahmed Sirajuddin said the government should change the Metro Rail alignment.
“It will be a big loss for Perambur residents. The park is a result of several years of campaigning by the residents,” said Mr. Sirajuddin.
“We have got a place to walk. The area attracts many visitors in the evening. The space in the southern side of the track, now used for open defecation, can be used for the metro station,” he added.
In addition to major parks, the Chennai Corporation has started earmarking area for Metro stations in public spaces such as Amma Canteens, solid waste management facilities, hospitals, as well as its own offices.
Amma canteen to go
The Corporation has received a request from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to hand over the Amma canteen in Perambur Market for its station in the area.
“The existing Amma canteen will be demolished. The canteen has been constructed in an area measuring 46 sq m. The CMRL officials are demanding 42 sq m,” said an official.
Similarly, the civic body will demolish the Corporation office in Ward 69, to facilitate construction of the Ayanavaram Metro station.
