The residents said Revenue Department officials had also directed the civic body’s Zonal office to remove the encroachment, but no action has been taken so far.

Talking to DT Next, G Krishnmurthy, secretary, Ram Nagar (south) Residents Welfare Association, said that the park has been encroached by a gated community that has walls built around it, blocking entry by visitors from other parts of the locality. This despite the community having another park within the premises exclusively for its residents. “For many residents who stay in other parts of the residential area, there is no option for carrying out any form of recreational activities—be it walking for adults or playing for children. The area began to see development just about 10 years ago. Now, there are so many residents as compared to a decade ago and such facilities are important for them, as people across age groups can benefit from it,” he said.

For a section of residents from 10 streets comprising the association, the park is the only one in the locality. 

“Given how densely residential this area is, it is a pity that there are no options for a playfield or even a small park,” said another resident.

Repeated efforts by the residents to make the Chennai Corporation acknowledge their requests have gone in vain. Krishnmurthy said, “We have written three letters in the last two years—each time trying to gain access to the space for celebration on public holidays. Leave alone taking action, the officials haven’t even acknowledged the letters.” Residents also alleged the officials from Zone 14, Greater Chennai Corporation, remained indifferent. “We have been made to understand that the officials from the parks and playfields department has forwarded our request to the Zone office. But so far, no action has been taken. We hope at least this August 15, we will be able to have a programme at the venue. We are going to send another letter requesting the Corporation’s intervention,” he said.

However, when contacted, a Zone 14 official claimed that they haven’t received any complaints regarding the park.