Residents complain about poor maintenance of parks in the city

Residents express concerns over poorly maintained city parks, urging Chennai Corporation to address issues for better upkeep.

Parks in the city have been in bad shape, with damaged footpaths, faulty play equipment for children and inadequate care for the lawn.

Residents have complained that many parks have become breeding sources for mosquitoes owing to lack of maintenance. Mugalivakkam resident K.S.Kannan said the park in AGS Colony Phase III in ward 156 in Alandur zone has fallen into disrepair because of lack of maintenance after the Northeast monsoon.

“Owing to damaged footpaths, senior citizens and children have stumbled and fallen down. We request the Chennai Corporation to sweep the park every day. The fountain has also not been maintained properly,” he said.

Federation of Thoraipakkam Residents Welfare Associations president A.Francis said Anand Nagar Park in Thoraipakkam in 193 ward has not been maintained properly. “During the Northeast monsoon, the park had water stagnation for many days. The equipment was damaged. The children’s play area has been damaged. The park has not been restored properly. The private contractors’ tenure has ended. After the expiry of the contract, the park has not been maintained for a few months,” he said. 

Anna Nagar resident A.S.Kannan said footpaths and compound walls have been damaged in Gandhi Park, W Block, C Sector, Anna Nagar West Extension. “The park has not been maintained for four months. Private contractors’ tenure has ended,” he said.

Korattur ward 84 councillor J.John said the GCC has been sending only one NULM staff for park maintenance after the private contract tenure ended. “Residents have demanded additional NULM workers for better maintenance of the parks,” he said.

The civic body is planning to start centralised maintenance of parks to restore the facilities in all zones, said an official of Chennai Corporation.