CHENNAI: In 2011, when the Thiru Vi Ka Park in Shenoy Nagar was taken over for an underground metro rail station, residents were promised that it would be restored when the facility became operational. While Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) continues to build more facilities, satellites images show what exactly happened in the 8.8 acre park.
The ‘before and after’ images show the extent of greenery lost. According to CMRL, of the 328 trees, 138 were cut, 20 were transplanted and 190 retained. Plan was to restore the park with 1,380 saplings. But residents claimed CMRL continued to cut more trees, particularly along the periphery while excavating soil for more construction.
CMRL is now constructing an underground passenger amenities centre complete with a multi-level parking facility. Officials said the centre is expected to be ready next year post which metro rail will begin restoring the park with sapling planted in ‘miyawaki’ method.
Residents who moved court to stop CMRL from building the underground centre are awaiting the verdict. “They had taken almost two acres to build the station and the parking lot. They don’t want to return the rest of the park. We were hoping the park would be restored but CMRL started work without informing the residents. We got to know only through the media about the new construction,” said Babu T Raj, a resident.
A few Shenoy Nagar residents have also started warning walkers in T Nagar’s Panagal Park, where CMRL plans an underground station as part of the 118.9km phase-2 project. T Nagar residents, who fear the iconic park would meet the same fate as the one in Shenoy Nagar, have begun efforts to save it. Walkers had planted more than 200 saplings after trees were lost to Cyclone Vardah.
“We fear the worst, as we do not know what plans CMRL has in Panagal Park. There seem to be no transparency. We will soon meet CMRL officials and get to know plans. We’d suggest ideas if trees are going to be cut. If they don’t take our suggestion, we will plan our next course of action,” said M Panneerselvam, president, Panagal Park Walkers’ Association.
The ‘before and after’ images show the extent of greenery lost. According to CMRL, of the 328 trees, 138 were cut, 20 were transplanted and 190 retained. Plan was to restore the park with 1,380 saplings. But residents claimed CMRL continued to cut more trees, particularly along the periphery while excavating soil for more construction.
CMRL is now constructing an underground passenger amenities centre complete with a multi-level parking facility. Officials said the centre is expected to be ready next year post which metro rail will begin restoring the park with sapling planted in ‘miyawaki’ method.
Residents who moved court to stop CMRL from building the underground centre are awaiting the verdict. “They had taken almost two acres to build the station and the parking lot. They don’t want to return the rest of the park. We were hoping the park would be restored but CMRL started work without informing the residents. We got to know only through the media about the new construction,” said Babu T Raj, a resident.
A few Shenoy Nagar residents have also started warning walkers in T Nagar’s Panagal Park, where CMRL plans an underground station as part of the 118.9km phase-2 project. T Nagar residents, who fear the iconic park would meet the same fate as the one in Shenoy Nagar, have begun efforts to save it. Walkers had planted more than 200 saplings after trees were lost to Cyclone Vardah.
“We fear the worst, as we do not know what plans CMRL has in Panagal Park. There seem to be no transparency. We will soon meet CMRL officials and get to know plans. We’d suggest ideas if trees are going to be cut. If they don’t take our suggestion, we will plan our next course of action,” said M Panneerselvam, president, Panagal Park Walkers’ Association.
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