An activist says that there is no government college within a radius of 10-12 km.
| Photo Credit: File photo
Residents of Ambattur have renewed some of their long-pending demands, including the establishment of a government hospital and government-run educational institutions, to meet the locality’s growing healthcare and education needs.
With rapid development in the area, long-standing demands, particularly in healthcare and education, have resurfaced among residents. Members of the Ambattur Makkal Kootamaippu (Ambattur Citizens’ Collective) said a government hospital is essential for the fast-developing locality, as people otherwise have to travel to Kilpauk.
Residents recently staged a demonstration highlighting the long-pending demand for a government boys’ higher secondary school and government arts college.
S. Sundaramurthy, convenor, Ambattur Makkal Kootamaippu, said it has been a demand for nearly three decades. There is no government college within a radius of 10-12 km. With the lack of adequate higher secondary facilities for boys in government schools in Ambattur, students have little choice but to travel to other areas such as Puzhal, Avadi, or Korattur.
He urged the government to establish government boys’ higher secondary school or government arts college on the recently reclaimed government site spread over nearly 3.12 acre on Ambattur-Red Hills Road in Pudur.
Residents also pointed out the need for more playgrounds to encourage sports activities in Ambattur. R. Gopi, CPI (M), Ambattur Area Secretary, said though there are a few open spaces, including in Mangalapuram, it is important to establish Corporation-owned playgrounds with galleries and facilities for various sports.
Though some schools in Kallikuppam, Athipet, and Chozhapuram have been upgraded to high school and higher secondary levels, a dedicated government boys’ higher secondary school in Ambattur would spare students the need to travel long distances. Moreover, students seeking admissions to government colleges have to travel to Kilpauk or Vyasarpadi, which lack proper direct transport connectivity, Mr. Gopi said.
Responding to residents’ demands, Ambattur MLA Joseph Samuel said a five-acre temple land on Vanagaram Main Road, Athipattu has been identified for establishing a government college and government higher secondary school. Further steps would be taken to kick-start the projects. A decision on the infrastructure to be developed on the reclaimed land in Pudur would be taken once the court case is resolved and the land classification is finalised.
Schools upgraded
Various government schools, including in Korattur, Athipattu, and Mogappair, have been upgraded to accommodate higher secondary students. Additional buildings and facilities are coming up at the Athipattu school. A new playground with facilities such as a football ground and an athletics track is being developed at S.V. Nagar in Pudur at a cost of ₹7 crore, Mr. Samuel said.
Published – February 03, 2026 05:30 am IST
