Poor upkeep of riverside walking park draws flak from fitness enthusiasts

Thennur Uzhavar Sandhai walking park in Tiruchi faces neglect, drawing criticism from locals and fitness enthusiasts.

A poorly maintained walking park built on the banks of the Uyyakondan Canal in Tiruchi lies in a shambles drawing flak from fitness enthusiasts and locals.

Built at a cost of ₹1.9 crore and inaugurated in August 2021, the Thennur Uzhavar Sandhai ‘riverside walking park’ drew crowds when it was opened to the public as it provided a calm and scenic view of the canal. Of late, the park has become a hub for anti-social elements due to lack of upkeep. 

Its pathways have become choked with brambles effectively blocking entry to areas in the park. Human waste litters the entrance creating a foul atmosphere.

There are broken bottles on the pathways, making them unsafe to walk on. Though it is open to the public, the use of the area for health exercises is dwindling due to these reasons, complained fitness enthusiasts.

Consequently, various anti-social elements abuse the location for illegal purposes. This further deters many people from utilising the park, claimed residents and walkers.

“We used to come to the park in the morning as it was clean and accessible. But now, the lights do not work at night and there are incidents of robbery as well. Thus, many walkers and fitness enthusiasts are reluctant to come here. It needs to be maintained properly so we can use them,” said a resident of Thennur.

When contacted, a senior Corporation official said that the issue would be addressed at the earliest.