Corpn eyes profit from privatisation of playfields in city

As the project will be implemented under a revenue sharing model, the civic body will earn Rs 55 lakh per year.

According to a Chennai Corporation official, the users have to pay a monthly charge of Rs 2,000 for Tennis court, Rs 1,000 for Badminton court (indoor), Rs 750 for Badminton court (outdoor) and Rs 500 for skating rinks.

The Corporation is maintaining 38 tennis courts at 17 locations, 16 badminton courts at nine locations and 16 skating rinks at 16 locations, including Anna Nagar Tower Park, Marina Beach and Elliot Beach.

“If the Corporation privatises play facilities and collect the fee, poor section of the public cannot utilise the facility,” M Mohan, a resident of Choolaimedu said.

As per the tender documents, the users have to pay charges before the sixth day of every month and should enter the facility only on the given (one hour) time slot. If any user wants additional time, s/he should pay an additional charge.

“The Corporation also mandated the safety guards for users. The players should bring their own play equipment. The private contractors will maintain the facilities by incorporating all safety measures and will conduct the sports as per the standards of Sports Authority of India and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu,” a Chennai Corporation source said.

Meanwhile, the tender documents revealed that the private contractors would appoint coaches at every court and the contractors would operate and maintain the sports facilities for a period of five years.