Perungalathur Park Remains Closed for 8 Months After Rs 10 Lakh Renovation

A public park on Kamaraj Highway in Perungalathur, which was recently renovated at a cost of more than Rs 10 lakh, has remained closed for over eight months, leaving local residents disappointed.

The park is located in the 55th ward of Zone 4 of Tambaram Corporation. Residents from Kamaraj Highway, Chitra Avenue, Bharathi Avenue, Muthiralandi Street, Sathyamoorthy Road and nearby areas, along with residents from the 59th ward of Perungalathur, have been using the facility.

Park Renovated After Residents` Requests

The park had reportedly been poorly maintained for several years, while the existing children`s play equipment and exercise facilities had become damaged.

Following repeated requests from the Perungalathur-Peerkankaranai Residents Welfare Association, Tambaram Corporation carried out renovation work at a cost of more than Rs 10 lakh.

New play and exercise equipment were installed, and a compound wall was also constructed around the park.

Renovated Park Still Locked

Despite the completion of the renovation work, the park has reportedly remained locked for more than eight months and has not been opened for public use.

Residents said that during the Assembly election period, Corporation officials cited the Model Code of Conduct as a reason for not opening the park. However, residents pointed out that around five months have passed since the election, yet the park continues to remain closed.

Overgrown Bushes Raise Safety Concerns

With the park remaining unused, trees and bushes have grown extensively inside the premises, leaving the area looking unmaintained.

Residents have also expressed concerns that the overgrown vegetation could provide shelter for snakes and poisonous insects, potentially creating safety risks for nearby residents and pedestrians travelling along Kamaraj Highway.

Residents said that the money spent on renovating the park could fail to serve its intended purpose if the facility is not opened and properly maintained.

Residents Plan Peaceful Protest

Mahendra Boopathy, president of the Perungalathur-Peerkankaranai Residents Welfare Association, said residents had repeatedly approached Tambaram Corporation regarding the issue.

According to him, the association had requested the renovation of the park, following which the Corporation spent more than Rs 10 lakh on improvements and installed new facilities.

He said residents have repeatedly requested officials to open the renovated park, but no action has been taken so far.

The residents` association has now decided to conduct a peaceful protest, demanding ththat the park be opened to the public and encroachments near the park be removed.

Corporation Says Maintenance Work Pending

When contacted, Corporation zonal officials said there was no specific order preventing the park from being opened.

Officials reportedly said that some maintenance works are still pending and that the park would be opened to the public after the remaining works are completed.

Residents are now awaiting the reopening of the facility, which they say would provide an important recreational and exercise space for people living in Perungalathur and surrounding areas.