A 2.5-acre park at Sri Sai Nagar in Thoraippakkam, Chennai, which once served as a popular destination for walkers and children, has fallen into a state of disrepair. The park, opened in 2015 as a green lung for the community, suffered extensive damage during heavy rains and flooding in 2024.
Deterioration of walking paths
The walking paths within the park have become cracked and uneven, rendering them unsafe for regular users. According to R Nagarajan, secretary of the Sri Sai Nagar House Owners' Association, this has sharply reduced footfall. "People stopped coming because the walkways became unsafe," he said.
Maintenance lapses worsen condition
Residents attribute the park's accelerated decline to prolonged maintenance lapses. The park lacks functional lighting, and its main gate remains open at night. "By nightfall, the park turns into a hub for tipplers," a resident reported. Another issue highlighted is that a watchman's salary continues to be drawn by civic authorities despite no caretaker being posted after the 2024 rains.
Incomplete repair work
Just before the elections were announced, civic crews began repair work at the park but stopped once polls were announced. "They began work and left it midway. It raised expectations, but nothing was completed," Nagarajan said. Attempts by TOI to contact the zonal officer responsible for the area drew no response.
Residents' demands
Residents are urging the Greater Chennai Corporation to complete the stalled repairs, reassign a caretaker, fix the lighting, and secure the entrance to restore safe public use of the park.
