In the wake of the recently concluded Lok Sabha election and amidst growing public demand, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is gearing up to embark on an ambitious initiative to enhance the city’s recreational infrastructure.
With the imminent lifting of the model code of conduct in the first week of June, the corporation is poised to identify and develop new land parcels across various neighbourhoods for the establishment of playgrounds and parks, catering to the diverse leisure needs of its residents. Joint Commissioner (Works) of GCC, G.S. Sameeran, outlined the corporation’s vision to transform open space reservation (OSR) areas into vibrant urban recreation hubs accessible to individuals of all age groups. Emphasising a philosophy of “less grey and more green,” the corporation is committed to infusing natural elements into park construction while exploring innovative concepts such as sponge parks to optimize the utilisation of OSR for both recreation and disaster mitigation purposes. The impetus for this expansion stems partly from electoral discourse, with candidates from national political parties and local residents highlighting the inadequacy of existing playgrounds during the election campaign. Recognizing the intrinsic value of open spaces for community well-being, there is a growing clamour for preserving government land for recreational purposes.
Drawing from the Second Master Plan of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), which underscores the importance of open spaces in fostering psychological well-being and ecological sustainability, the initiative aligns with broader societal aspirations for accessible and appealing recreation facilities. However, challenges persist, particularly in suburban areas where parks and playgrounds are comparatively fewer. Despite legislative provisions such as the Tamil Nadu Parks, Play-Fields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act, 1960, disparities in park maintenance and accessibility persist, especially in newly developed layouts and outskirts. In response to residents’ calls for increased recreational amenities, the GCC aims to address these disparities by prioritising the creation of new playgrounds and parks across the Chennai Metropolitan Area. By leveraging available land resources and adopting a proactive approach to urban planning, the corporation seeks to enhance the quality of life for Chennai’s residents and promote a culture of active living and community engagement.
