In a remarkable display of community spirit, residents of Chennai's Kalakshetra colony have taken matters into their own hands to transform a public eyesore. The compound wall of the Thiruvanmiyur corporation park, which had long been a site for dumping garbage and public urination, is now a colorful canvas advocating for civic sense.
From Dumping Ground to Community Canvas
For years, the wall was a symbol of neglect. It served as an unofficial dumping ground and a public urinal, creating an unpleasant environment for everyone around. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) had installed railings about six months ago in an attempt to curb the misuse, but the fundamental issue of civic apathy remained.
The turning point came on a Saturday noon when a group of determined residents, armed with paintbrushes and buckets of color, decided to reclaim their public space. They partnered with Karam Korpom, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification of public areas across the city.
The Painting Process and Powerful Messages
The collaborative effort resulted in the transformation of 19 panels along the wall. The new, vibrant paintings are not merely decorative; they carry strong social messages aimed at fostering better civic behavior. The artworks warn against:
- Wasting precious water
- Riding two-wheelers without helmets
- Drunk driving
- Littering in public areas
- Urinating or defecating in open spaces
Kamla Ravikumar, a long-time resident, explained the motivation. "Until a year ago, the place was a mess. GCC built railings about six months ago. Now, we have decided to own these walls, and wanted to beautify them. At the same time, this being a public place, we decided to spread messages to the public," she said.
Community Funding and Future Plans
The initiative was truly a grassroots effort. Bala Murali, president of the Kalakshetra Colony Welfare Association, revealed that around 20 people, including enthusiastic children, participated in the painting drive. The community collectively pooled approximately ₹24,000 to cover the expenses for materials and paint.
The work does not end with the paint drying. The residents are now looking ahead to maintenance. "We are looking to appoint people to water the plants along the walls," added Bala Murali, indicating a commitment to sustaining the beautification.
S Shivakumar, a trustee of Karam Korpom, praised the initiative, highlighting the power of art as a medium for positive change. "We work with GCC as well as residents. Any public space that is deserted or underutilized can be transformed through the power of art," he stated.
The local administration has welcomed this citizen-led movement. Councillor D Viswanathan noted that such initiatives demonstrate community unity for a good cause and also help reduce the burden on elected representatives.
This story from Chennai stands as a powerful testament to what engaged citizens can achieve. It proves that community ownership and collaborative action can effectively tackle civic issues, turning neglected spaces into sources of pride and social education.
