A resident on the condition of anonymity said that they have been hearing about a park coming up in the area for several years now. 

“However, no work has been taken up and the well has remained abandoned, only to serve as a perfect repository for all the garbage in the area,” said the source. 

Residents pointed out that the well has been in existence since a few decades and while it was ignored earlier when the population was sparse, the apathy continues even as the area is now dotted with residential flats. 

The source added, “Especially during rains, the well is filled with water and one cannot tell the road from the well. Children jump into the water which is also a mix of slush and play in it. It is extremely dangerous, as anyone can fall inside unwittingly. We have been seeking action by authorities at the Greater Chennai Corporation. We hope that if a park is developed, as per the plan, it would be useful to us.” 

The residents added that with all the garbage being dumped inside the well, it is a health hazard for those living nearby. “We have complained enough number of times, but there has been no response or an acknowledgement. During rains, the mosquitoes, as a result of all the trash, only increases. We are dreading the upcoming monsoons that will only spell havoc for all nearby,” added the source. 

When contacted, a source from Zone 12 of the Corporation, said that the well cannot be closed, but measures can be taken to make a grilled enclosure around it. 

“We have done something similar in and around such similar wells in the area. We can also have a rainwater harvesting structure to make it safe,” said the official.

However, the official denied having any knowledge about the proposal for a park in the area. “Wells can be closed only in cases where it is completely useless,” the official pointed out.