Thiru Vi Ka Nagar park to be opened after eight years

The park was the only large open space for residents in the neighbourhood, attracting both young and older people. With the closure of the park, residents found themselves no space for daily walks, public meeting and leisure activities. “When the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) took over eight-acre park for the Metro Rail construction in 2011, they said that the station would occupy three acres while the rest will be restored,” said Shenoy Nagar Welfare Association vice president AS Arul. 

He complained that the park was now being used for unauthorised parking and has become a centre for anti-social activities at night. “The footpath has been damaged due to lack of proper maintenance. It has also been blocked from public view as lorries, cars and college buses are parked around the park,” Arun added. 

The park had 375 trees, of which more than 150 were cut during Metro Rail construction. “I felt very emotional when they closed it down. All we want now is for the park to be reopened soon, with enough green cover. Otherwise, this place feels like a concrete jungle. We don’t particularly care about the landscaping of the park but only want the tree cover to be restored. Imagine walking during summer. We have been waiting for the park to be open, in its original form,” said V Sampath, a long-time resident of Shenoy Nagar. 

When contacted, VK Singh, Chief General Manager (Underground) CMRL, said, “The park is expected to be opened by next year end, as construction work for parking of Metro station is in progress.”