Corporation park rented out to birthday party?
Members of the AGS colony residents association, who went to inquire, said they found that the permission for the party was granted by the local Corporation Assistant Engineer.
Published: 30th July 2018 04:00 AM | Last Updated: 30th July 2018 04:00 AM | A+A A-
Boys who came to the AGS colony playground to play had nowhere to go | Express
CHENNAI:Residents of AGS colony who went to the Chennai Corporation ground in the locality to relax on Sunday were taken by surprise after they found arrangements in the ground for a private birthday party, complete with rows of chairs, a shamiana and a banner.
Members of the AGS colony residents association, who went to inquire, said they found that the permission for the party was granted by the local Corporation AE (Assistant Engineer), who allegedly received ` 2,000 from the group in order to ‘permit’ the celebrations.
“The group initially attempted to use the room for indoor games in the playground for the party. After we protested, they said they will shift the party outside the ground since they don’t have anywhere else to go and they had already paid the money,” said Sam Ponraj, secretary of Kottivakkam AGS colony and neighbourhood residents association.
When contacted, R Siva, father of the child whose birthday party was to be conducted at the ground, said, “My brother also works in the corporation. So, we thought we will ask the AE and conduct the party in the ground itself.” He was not given a receipt for the payment, he said.
The incident came to light after David Manohar, member of Arappor Iyakkam, a Chennai-based NGO, posted the details on social media. When contacted, AE Dhandapani denied the allegations. “I have not rented the playground to anyone. I have no right to rent out a Corporation playground,” he said.
