Chennai's Park Reading Zones Fall Into Disrepair After Initial Success
Just one year after their establishment, the reading zones set up across 45 parks in Chennai to nurture reading habits and transform public spaces into learning hubs now present a picture of neglect. These facilities, which once promised free access to literature, currently stand in ruins with locked shelves, damaged structures, and books accumulating dust.
Ambitious Launch and Expansion
In February 2024, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) initiated the reading zone project on a pilot basis in 10 parks located in north Chennai. The primary objective was to provide book access in areas with slum pockets, specifically aiming to improve literacy levels with special emphasis on women's education. Encouraged by positive initial response and requests from ward councillors, the project expanded to additional parks at an estimated cost of 1 crore rupees.
Initial Promise and Subsequent Decline
The original plan envisioned stocking a diverse collection of books including short stories, biographies, and novels for free public access. Initially, security guards maintained records of books borrowed by visitors, creating a system of accountability. However, momentum quickly faded as maintenance efforts dwindled. Over time, only outdated Tamil magazines remained on shelves without replacement of newspapers, magazines, or addition of new novels.
"When the initiative started, we were happy to see many children from the neighbourhood reading at the park. Inspired by their enthusiasm, we even donated short story books. However, as days passed, there was no maintenance and the books went missing," said K Prasanna, a daily visitor to May Day Park in Chintadripet.
Systemic Failures in Implementation
During the launch and expansion phases, GCC actively appealed to volunteers for book donations to sustain the reading zones. Unfortunately, officials failed to implement proper tracking mechanisms for these donations, resulting in poor utilization of contributed materials and gradual deterioration of the facilities.
"Like many other initiatives, this project failed due to a lack of follow-up by the authorities. A huge amount was spent, but regular stocking of books and magazines did not happen," noted M Karunakaran, a visitor to Anna Park in Royapuram.
Official Silence and Future Concerns
Despite multiple attempts by media outlets to seek clarification, GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran and chief engineer (parks) C A Balamurali remained unavailable for comment. This silence raises questions about accountability and future plans for reviving what began as a promising literacy initiative.
The current state of Chennai's park reading zones serves as a stark reminder of how well-intentioned public projects can falter without sustained maintenance, proper management systems, and consistent official commitment to community initiatives.
