Mangal Eri project on revival mode
There is finally an end to the wait for seeing Mangal Eri Park (also known as Arignar Anna Park) being revived. The park, which is located at Vellar Street in Mogappair West, will be desilted, a revised cost of ₹65 lakh, according to Zone-7 (Ambattur) officials of Greater Chennai Corporation. The delay is said to have been the result of prolonged negotiations with contractors.
Every day, on an average, more than 2,000 visitors from Mogappair West, Reddipalayam Nagar, Mogappair East, J.J Nagar, Nolambur, Maduravoyal, Collector Nagar and Tirumangalam visit the park. “At many spots around the lake, the steel fencing is damaged, posing a threat to the safety of children. The overgrown grass is not trimmed regularly,” says B. Srinivas, a resident of Mogappair.
Visitors complained that the civic body has not maintained the park properly for a long time. Weeds have grown in the cracks in the compound wall and on the walkers’ pathway, which is around 30ft wide. Walkers, especially senior citizens and children, are apprehensive of walking on the footpath as many visitors have spotted snakes there. Many concrete seating facilities are located amidst the overgrown weeds, making it risky for visitors. The pond located at the centre of the park is in a pathetic situation. More than 50ft deep and its beauty enhanced by the presence of ducks, the pond made for an arresting sight. Now, the pond remains merely a cesspool with stagnant rainwater and overgrown weeds.
It may be noted that a few years ago, Corporation officials had a proposal to develop the facility as a ‘Model Park’ at a cost of ₹1.25 crore, under its general funds. As per the proposal, the developmental work included replacement of the tiles on the walkers’ pathway with granite, 1.5ft high concrete median with space for saplings, desilting and deepening of the pond with steel railings, a yoga and meditation centre, a children’s play area, a pebble pathway and a clock tower.
However, due to the objections raised by residents, the idea was dropped. Residents argued that most of the facilities at the park, including the tiled walkers’ pathway, were in a good condition. As a result, Corporation not only dropped most of the features in the revival project but also stopped maintaining the park regularly. Now, the civic body has decided to deepen the waterbody with steel railings around it.
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