Thoothukudi parks in need of better upkeep, say residents

The Thoothukudi Corporation has been taking several measures to restore the city parks, particularly to utilise those park sites that have been cleared from encroachments. However, some of the parks in prominent locations of the city lack adequate infrastructure facilities, including non functional e-toilets, damaged swings and decorative displays.

Around 53 parks are currently in operation in the city. Some of the major parks include Roche Park, Rajaji Park, MGR Park, Umarupulavar Park and Toovipram park. The Corporation also has two pink parks, specifically for women and a senior citizen’s park.

Although these parks have been maintained directly by the Corporation, parks including Umarupulavar Park in Kathirvel Nagar and MGR Park, currently seek attention from the Corporation, to enhance its infrastructure facilities.

Damaged stone benches at Umarupulavar Park in Thoothukudi.
| Photo Credit:
RAJESH N

Sundaram, a retired army officer from Rajiv Nagar, pointed out the deplorable condition of both men and women toilets in the Umarupulavar Park. “Both the toilet facilities in this park are in an unsanitary condition for the past three months, which needs proper maintenance and immediate repair,” he said.

He noted that there are no taps in the handwash area, along with other concerns such as damaged benches, decorative displays and rusted swing chains.

Highlighting that hundreds of people from in and around Kathirvel Nagar undertake walking and other recreational activities at this park, he has urged the Corporation authorities to take necessary action to repair and maintain the toilets and replace the damaged items.

The non-functional e-toilets at MGR Park in Thoothukudi.
| Photo Credit:
RAJESH N

Another resident from the city highlighted the non-functional e-toilets in MGR Park, noting that hundreds of people are visiting the park regularly, with the number increasing on weekends and holidays. He added that the e-toilets must be repaired to be replaced with Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) toilets.

Jobai Pachek, a resident of Emperor Street said, “Apart from few parks such as Roche Park and Muthu Nagar park, most parks in Thoothukudi are in dire need of proper maintenance.” Stating that the Corporation has been taking various initiatives to establish a park for recreational activities of both children and adults, he noted that negligence in maintenance of parks is leading to anti-social activities in these sites and reflects the failure to maintain Corporation assets.

Speaking on this, Thoothukudi Corporation Mayor Jegan Periyasamy said, “The Corporation has floated a tender for the maintenance of five parks, including MGR Park, through outsourcing on trail basis. Upon reviewing the maintenance of these parks, other parks in the city will also be maintained through outsourcing.”

He added that e-toilets in MGR park will be removed and RCC toilets will be constructed for the convenience of the public.