Madurai's Eco Park Faces Urgent Need for Rejuvenation and Maintenance
The Eco Park, located on Dr Thangaraj Salai Road next to the Madurai corporation building, is in dire need of immediate attention to revive its vegetation, grass, and facilities, along with clearing accumulated waste and dried leaves. This premier park, alongside Rajaji Park, underwent renovations in late 2025, which included the addition of carnival rides and repairs to fountains, toilets, and benches. However, post-renovation, the private contractor responsible has failed to uphold proper maintenance standards, leading to significant deterioration.
Community Voices Concerns Over Neglect and Revenue Focus
Members of the Eco Park Walkers' Association, who frequent the facility regularly, have raised alarms about the park's management prioritizing revenue generation over upkeep. Periyathambi, the treasurer of the association, highlighted that visitors are now required to pay tickets for entry, yet essential services remain neglected. He stated, "Now, they have made us pay for tickets to enter the park," emphasizing the disconnect between costs and quality.
Waste Accumulation and Sanitation Issues Plague the Park
Waste is piling up on the western side of the park and is being dumped into an open sewage line that runs through the area, causing blockages and environmental hazards. Additionally, one of the two toilets is non-functional, leading to cases of open urination, further compromising hygiene. Periyathambi added, "A old pond in the park is covered with algae, and people are dumping plastic plates and bottles in it," noting that this has turned the pond into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, posing health risks.
Broken Facilities and Deteriorating Vegetation
The park's infrastructure is suffering from neglect, with a broken motor that was used for watering grass and plants, causing vegetation, including turf-like grass installed last year, to wither. The fountain, once a main attraction, lies in disuse, diminishing the park's appeal. Another association member, Bhoominathan, revealed that the group spends approximately Rs 10,000 monthly on maintaining gym equipment and other facilities, but this effort is insufficient due to inadequate support from the contractor's staff, who rarely clean the entire park.
High Visitor Numbers and Call for Action
Despite these challenges, the park attracts around 1,500 visitors daily, underscoring its importance as a community space. The members have urged for proper maintenance to ensure a safe and pleasant environment. In response, a senior corporation official has committed to conducting an inspection of the park and issuing instructions to the contractor to address the issues promptly.
