Thoothukudi corporation faces criticism over park neglect amid new development proposal

Following the concerns raised by Thoothukudi Corporation council members regarding the poor upkeep of the existing parks in the city, the Corporation has now planned to renovate the old parks, alongside developing new parks in various parts of the city.

At the recent zonal grievance redress meeting, Thoothukudi Mayor Jegan Periyasamy announced that new parks will be developed across the city, to ensure better accessibility to all, as the city lacks sufficient leisure spaces.

This announcement, however, drew criticism from council members, who urged the corporation to focus on maintaining the existing ones rather than developing new parks. Chandra Bose, ward 34 council member highlighted the poor condition of the parks in P&T Colony and Teachers’ Colony.

The benches are badly damaged at P&T colony in Thoothukudi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
N. RAJESH

“The park in P&T Colony has not been up to public use for the past five to six years. We have petitioned about that many times, but no measures have been taken so far,” he added.

Mr. Chandra Bose further noted that whenever the corporation was asked about the renovation the standard response was that they were awaiting approval for the proposal sent to Chennai.

Speaking on this, Mr. Jegan explained that the parks developed by corporation in recent years are generally spread over more than an acre and come with upgraded facilities. Regarding the maintenance of the older parks, he said that they are smaller parks of about 20 to 30 cents, and the corporation is considering upgrading them with sports facilities.

He also added that the Corporation would soon establish additional parks dedicated to senior citizens, equipped with enhanced walking pathways.