Vyasarpadi Residents Oppose GCC Sports Turf Plan Over User Fee Fears

Residents of Vyasarpadi, near the Jeeva railway station in Chennai, are actively opposing a proposal by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to construct a multi-sports facility instead of a promised free public playground. The local community fears that the proposed facility, which includes a football turf and a badminton court, will charge user fees, restricting access for neighborhood youth.

The dispute follows a seven-year delay since the GCC first promised to develop a dedicated football and cricket ground on the corporation-owned land adjacent to the Jeeva railway station. Vyasarpadi, frequently referred to as the "Brazil of Chennai," has a rich sporting history, having produced numerous eminent footballers who have competed in zonal and district-level tournaments. The area is also home to many aspiring cricketers.

According to local residents, the lack of proper sporting infrastructure and a dedicated playground has denied these young athletes the opportunity to sharpen their skills. The sudden shift in the civic body's plans has sparked disappointment among the local youth.

C B Paranthamen, a resident of Vyasarpadi, explained that the community's efforts to secure the sports ground began years ago. In August 2019, residents submitted a formal petition to GCC authorities, seeking the development of the football and cricket ground on the vacant corporation land.

One month later, in September 2019, the civic body replied to the residents. In its response, the GCC stated that estimates for developing the site would be prepared, and the work would commence once administrative approval and financial sanction were obtained.

Despite these assurances, residents state that the GCC has failed to fulfill its original commitment over the past seven years. Instead of the promised open playground, the civic body is now moving forward with constructing a football turf, a play area, and a badminton court on the site. Fresh funds have been allocated for this new project, sidelining the original plans for a free, open ground.