The long wait for some greenery

Those living in Korattur and Ambattur are puzzled that parks finished a year ago are still closed.

The park at Subbulakshmi Nagar, Korattur, is one of the many that are still not open —Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

or many residents of Korattur and Ambattur, neighbourhood parks are still a distant dream.

Several parks that were completed over one year ago are waiting to be inaugurated. For instance, works at the park in Subbulakshmi Nagar, Korattur North was finished a year ago. But it has been left locked, much to the disappointment of residents.

Residents of Ambattur zone say they are waiting eagerly for parks to be thrown open as there are not enough places where they can relax or take a pleasant evening stroll. However, a minimum of six parks are waiting to be inaugurated for several months now. The parks in Manavala Nagar and Second Street, Housing Board Colony at Korattur and Sastha Nagar in Thathangkuppam in Ambattur zone remain out of reach for residents.

C. Anbu of Srinivasapuram, Korattur said these parks become dens for miscreants during the night. The greenery is vanishing due to lack of maintenance. Works in some parks like those in K.R. Nagar, Korattur and Ranga Garden, Kolathur has been left mid-way, he pointed out.

People living in the areas that were merged with the Chennai Corporation in 2011 said say such green spaces are a luxury to them. However, some like those in Vijayalakshmipuram, have started using the park around Thangal lake that has been waiting to be officially inaugurated for many months now.

R. Govindarajan, president of Korattur North Residents Welfare Association, said several morning walkers continue to use the roads. “Open Space Reservation land measuring two acres on Kandigai Road, Korattur remains unused. It remains vulnerable to encroachments. Though there has been a proposal for park and a swimming pool, it has not materialised,” he said.

However, according to Chennai Corporation officials, these parks will be thrown open for residents once the water supply and sewer network for toilets are provided.

The civic body has issued orders to expedite the work. The number of parks in the city has increased to 502, doubling in the past three years. An additional 200 parks will be developed, said a source.

(Additional reporting by Aloysius Xavier Lopez)

the parks have become dens for miscreants at night. The greenery is vanishing due to lack of maintenance