Smart City drive: 8 parks in T Nagar to get facelift

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) have received the consent for park redesign and will ascertain the expectations of the park users, before proceeding with the project. “Parks are popular among people of all ages groups – children, adults, senior citizens and persons with disability. The redesign will make maximum use of the space. The parks will be redesigned within minimum time. For instance, some parks may have basic walkway or exercise equipment for the senior citizens. A space will be designated for meditation, under the trees perhaps,” said KS Kandasamy, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (works). 

Parks in Sharma Nagar, Kodambakkam, CIT Nagar as well as Natesan Park and Jeeva Park will first be redesigned. The new design will also correct the existing structural flaws. “In some parks, the children’s play area is under the sun, which means it can only be used when it is not sunny. The new design will ensure that this area is under the shade, so children can use it anytime,” said the official.  

B Muthukumar, a 55-year-old consultant, is a regular visitor at the Jeeva Park. This local resident pointed out that parts of the walking area, which have been damaged, need restoration. “In some parts of the park, it gets slippery during the rains, causing a threat to senior citizens. In addition, the children’s play area also needs improvement. 

Moreover, medicinal plants, which help in combatting the mosquito menace, should be planted instead of the croton plant,” said the former secretary of the Jeeva Park Walkers and Joggers Association. Residents feel that the Corporation should consult the citizens before embarking on this project. “While parks like Natesan and Jeeva have facilities, the smaller parks could be developed,” said VS Jayaraman, a member of the T Nagar Residents Welfare Association.