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Chennai Playground: Sports Field or Dumping Yard?
5 Apr
Summary
- Playground in Vyasarpadi, Chennai, turned into a construction waste dumping yard.
- Police station shifted to the ground in 2022 after building collapse.
- Players now use costly private turfs due to lack of space and safety concerns.
A children's playground in Vyasarpadi, Chennai, has been transformed into a site for construction and demolition waste disposal. This decline began roughly three years ago, escalating after the P3 Vyasarpadi police station relocated to a temporary facility on the grounds in 2022, following the collapse of its original building.
The once-frequented sports field, which hosted numerous football matches and tournaments, is now significantly diminished in size. Over 100 people reportedly used the ground daily before its deterioration. Currently, the space is cluttered with approximately 20 stone benches and around 10 parked police vans and autos, making even small games difficult.
Residents and athletes express dismay over the loss of the accessible public space. Local sports enthusiasts are now compelled to use private turfs, incurring costs of ₹800 to ₹1,200 per hour, which is unaffordable for many. Debris on the remaining playing surface also presents a significant risk of injury.
Despite continuous complaints from the community, the situation remains unresolved. Authorities have not yet commented on the matter. Reports indicate that a new police station was planned on Basin Bridge land, but its construction is delayed due to inter-departmental approvals.
