Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore has reopened after an Rs 8.49-crore redevelopment, but residents have raised concerns about reduced green space, narrower walking paths, a large central structure and unfinished works at the four-acre public park.
Located on Luz Church Road, the park reopened on Friday following redevelopment that began in September 2025. The project was launched after storm water drain construction had left the park largely unusable from 2024. It was originally scheduled for completion by February 2026.
Residents welcomed the expanded play area for children but said the redevelopment had altered the park’s earlier character. More than 50 residents and civic activists had gathered in August to protest what they described as increasing concretisation of the green space.
Karpagambal, a 72-year-old resident who was visiting the park with her grandson, said the park had previously been dense with trees and now felt more like an open ground. She welcomed the larger play area but expressed concern about the loss of tree cover.
A large roof-like framework built around an existing tree, with seating underneath, has also drawn criticism. Residents questioned its purpose and utility. Sangeetha, a Mylapore resident, said it was unclear whether the structure would function as a roof or contribute positively to the park’s appearance.
Regular walkers have raised concerns about the reduced width of the walking paths. The redeveloped park now has 1,600 metres of walking paths, but residents said the earlier walkway was wider and questioned whether the narrower route would be able to accommodate the park’s usual crowds.
The project includes a 7,532-square-foot children’s play area, a 3,228-square-foot badminton court, a 4,800-square-foot Mexican lawn and two fountains. A 195-metre storm water drain and a 1,076-square-foot rainwater management facility have also been created to manage rainfall.
Residents have additionally pointed to the lack of adequate covered seating, particularly during sudden rain. Several elements of the redevelopment remain incomplete: green patches have not been fully laid, lighting work is continuing and boundary markings for one badminton court are still pending.
The reopening therefore brings the park back into use while leaving questions about its final landscaping, pedestrian capacity and balance between built facilities and greenery unresolved. The remaining works include completing the green patches, lighting and court markings.
