Corpn reclaiming playground opposed

S Yuvaraj, president of the association, while mentioning that there is no playground in the locality, added that youngsters from Barathipuram, Periyakoodal, VOC Nagar, NSK Nagar, Aminjikarai and other areas used the ground for play activities. “The Corporation officials locked the ground on Thursday. We are suspecting that the civic body has plans to hand over the ground to a private party,” he alleged.

On Thursday, the city Corporation had reclaimed a 4.3-acre parcel of land worth Rs. 280 crore from the Thiru Vi Ka Dr Mu Va Educational Institute in Shenoy Nagar. The land was leased out to the educational institution and was being utilised as a playground.

Requesting the civic body to allow access to the ground again, Yuvaraj urged the Corporation to allow youngsters to play at least during prescribed hours. “We will support the civic body even if they impose restrictions. The civic body can employ a security guard and allow players in the morning and evening hours only,” he assured.

The association also pointed out that the Metro Rail had taken over the Thiru Vi Ka Park in Shenoy Nagar for the construction of a station. “The government promised to restore the park. Even two years after the Metro Rail completed works, they are yet to restore the park. The government is converting playgrounds and public spaces for other purposes in the guise of development,” Yuvaraj said.