CHENNAI: Residents of Velachery took to the streets on Monday to fight for their only remaining park in the locality which is going to be turned into a tahsildar’s office. Several sports tournaments and training sessions take place on a regular basis on the ground including an area where children play on an everyday basis.
The residents claim that the land was handed over to the Velachery Welfare Association 83 years ago and had continued to remain under their ownership till today, “Many dignitaries have visited these grounds including our former Chief Minister Kamaraj and generations of children have played on those grounds which rightfully belong to us,” said M Thangaraj, general secretary, Velachery Welfare Association.
He also said that the 2.5 acres land was divided into three, one part of which was devoted to a community hall and the other to a hospital. The space in between the two building was used as a playground by the residents. On Monday morning, residents were surprised to find several policemen on the playground who allegedly shut the gates of the grounds.
“The tahsildar, PWD officials and police men were behind the gates and informed us that the playground is going to be used to build a tahsildar office. A lorry carrying construction material also landed there and they are not ready to listen to us,” said S Poogal, a resident.
This is, however, not the first time that something like this is happening, said Thangaraj. “In 2003, the Corporation tried to build an office in the area but the association filed a case against the Corporation and in 2005, the court passed an in our favour and the civic body was also slapped with a fine of `10,000. We have always had problem but this time the authorities are just not even listening to us, even though it would be a contempt of court to do what they are doing.”
The case has now been moved to the appellant court and is pending hearing, but the authorities are allegedly not paying any heed.
C Samson, a resident, who is also a football coach, trains football aspirants every weekend. “I have about 50-60 students who come every weekend. Where are they supposed to play now? From my father’s generation we have lived in Velachery and used those grounds. Football tournaments also take place on a regular basis in the area. Now where do we go?” he asked.
According to the residents, the community hall is already being used as a government office. “ Why can’t they just continue using that building; we don’t need that. And even if they do want to build on the playground, tell them to allot us another area where the children can play. But they can’t because there simply is no place. Shouldn’t every locality have a playground for its children?” questioned Poogal.
Claiming that they are only following government orders, the police and the tahsildar are standing their ground. The residents are planning a bigger protest in the next two days after holding a meeting on the issue.
