According to Chennai Corporation sources, the survey is being conducted by Chennai Smart City Limited (CSCL). “As of now, CSCL and Chennai Corporation are undertaking major infrastructural works like stormwater drains and roads. After improving civic infrastructures, we must improve youth-centric infrastructures like playfields and sports facilities in the city,” said an official.

A web link to the questionnaire has been provided in the city Corporation’s official website www.chennaicorporation.gov.in.

The concept of conducting a special survey was introduced so that public opinion could be collected and collated before developing sports-related infrastructure. The questionnaire has asked the users whether they would join coaching classes of their desired sports if the civic body conducts them at a subsidised fee. “We have also asked the users whether they would be willing to pay a nominal fee to use the playfields if they get international standard amenities. Developing facilities without public opinion will not serve the purpose and result in a loss,” the official said.

However, the official said that the plan for upgrading playfields is in the conceptual stage and would take time to materialise. “Playfields to be developed will be selected based on the results of the survey. After that, we will prepare detailed project reports (DPR). But the whole process will take time,” the official added.

Although the civic body uploaded the link on Tuesday, the officials of CSCL had already sent the link to their known contacts. “We need more samples to decide on what the users want. To get more participants, we have uploaded the link on the Corporation website. There is no time frame for the survey. We will continue until we get enough samples,” the official said.

It is learnt that the CSCL and Corporation officials had visited few of the total 210 playfields before preparing the questionnaire. The civic body is also conducting a survey on upgrading parks simultaneously for the past few months.

Survey is being conducted by Chennai Smart City Limited