Velachery children lose ground to Taluk Office plan

Residents say the playground belonged to the Velachery Residents Welfare Association but were surprised to see the police securing the perimeter on the morning of November 28. “We had not been given any intimation whatsoever,” said Puzhal, a 36-year-old resident who had gathered along with others, to protest the annexation of the playground. 

Residents say they cannot understand why the open ground has been chosen, when there is a government community hall next to the playground. “The Taluk Office can come up in the existing building rather than building a new one on the playground. Velachery is running short of open areas where youngsters can play. This playground had been given to the SC/ ST community as a recreational space. In fact, it plays an important role in engaging youth from the community. By positively keeping them occupied, we ensure the youngsters don’t get into unlawful activities out of sheer boredom,” said Puzhal. 

Close to a hundred residents use the park, including children and senior citizens, for their morning walks, protected from street traffic. Samson C, a social worker and certified football coach, said the playground is a vital element of the local life. “I have been coaching children in football here for many years. There are so many children from different communities, who come to the playground regularly to practice sports. If we don’t have the playground, some youngsters, especially from the marginalised communities, who don’t have many opportunities to be gainfully engaged, will end up in risky activities – from bike racing to substance abuse,” said the 39-year-old coach. 

A source from the Tahsildar Office said, “This decision has been taken by the state government to have a Taluk Office and we can do nothing about it.” 

With the playground gone, the residents say the future looks bleak for the children. “The Taluk Office is good for the public and we welcome it. But, we just want an alternate playground for the community, especially children. Otherwise, the future will have rampant illegal activities as children will take up substance abuse followed by petty theft and other unlawful activities out of sheer boredom,” concluded Puzhal.