Chennai: Seven years after Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) promised to develop a football and cricket ground near Jeeva railway station in Vyasarpadi, the civic body is now planning to build a football turf and badminton court instead. Residents have opposed the proposal, arguing that they need a full-fledged public playground rather than a multi-sports facility, where they fear access will come at a cost.Vyasarpadi, also known as the Brazil of Chennai, has produced many eminent footballers who have represented the area in zonal and district-level tournaments. There are also many aspiring cricketers from the locality. However, the absence of a proper playground and sporting infrastructure has denied aspiring athletes an opportunity to sharpen their skills“In Aug 2019, we submitted a petition to GCC authorities seeking the development of a football and cricket ground on the corporation-owned land adjacent to Jeeva railway station. A month later, the civic body replied that estimates for developing the site would be prepared and that work would be taken up after obtaining administrative approval and financial sanction,” said C B Paranthamen, a resident of Vyasarpadi.Seven years on, residents say GCC has not only failed to fulfil its commitment but is also constructing a football turf, a play area, and a badminton court on the same site. Fresh funds have now been allocated for the new project, leaving local youngsters disappointed that the long-promised sports facility has once again been overlooked.“Zonal officials repeatedly assured us that a football and cricket ground would be established for youngsters in north Chennai. Our demand has been ignored. We can play for free on the ground, but on turf we will have to book slots and play,” said N Kamalesh, a football player from the locality.Residents also approached Thiru Vi Ka Nagar MLA Pallavi to seek intervention. The MLA assured them of a meeting with corporation officials and residents to discuss the issue. However, no meeting has taken place so far.When contacted, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zonal officer G Chokkalingampillai said, “Work is under way to construct a football turf, a badminton court and a children’s play area. The project was delayed because the proposed football turf was only 20m from the railway track. We have now ensured that the facility will be at least 60m away from the railway track before proceeding with the work.”
