The recent decision of the Chennai Corporation to keep open the 260 parks maintained by it from 5 am to 9 pm, scrapping the noon break, has become a boon especially to the working classes, besides the residents.
A quick roundup of parks in the city, including Panagal Park (T Nagar), Nageswara Rao Park (Mylapore), and the Independence Day Park (Nungambakkam) revealed that the new initiative has perhaps, been useful.
Says K Chitra and a group of women (who are engaged in door-to-door sales of consumer goods) that they now have green spaces to have lunch and take rest before resuming their work. However, she points out that several parks are yet to extend the timing in keeping with the civic body’s announcement. “I see many parks sticking to the old timings,” says T Ravindran, a courier firm employee echoing her view.
“The Panagal Park is shut during afternoon as usual. IT would help us if this facility is open,” says Chitra.
Residents like S Nagarajan of Kodambakkam say that the rule has been very useful. “Previously, when I come home from office, parks would be closed. Now, I jog after returning from office even at 8.30 pm. The new timing is helping people like me.”
The city Corporation maintains 260 parks now and works to improve the amenities are currently on in over 50 parks.
At the council meeting in December last, Mayor Saidai S Duraisamy announced the decision to keep open the parks for 16 hours a day. Previously, the parks were open for 9 hours between 5 am and 10 am, and between 4 pm and 8 pm.