By R.Swathi
Nestled at the corner of Mahalakshmi Avenue and MGR Road in Besantnagar is a lush park and walkers’ track that is a green lung in this built-up area. Serving walkers from Kalakshetra Colony, Vannanthurai, Shastrinagar, Radhakrishna Road, Kalakshetra Road, and beyond, the MGR Road Corporation Park is a peaceful haven where the magnificent magenta mandarai (butterfly orchid) is now in full bloom.
Nestled at the corner of Mahalakshmi Avenue and MGR Road in Besantnagar is a lush park and walkers’ track that is a green lung in this built-up area. Serving walkers from Kalakshetra Colony, Vannanthurai, Shastrinagar, Radhakrishna Road, Kalakshetra Road, and beyond, the MGR Road Corporation Park is a peaceful haven where the magnificent magenta mandarai (butterfly orchid) is now in full bloom.
Recent reports of a few sightings of snakes have frightened some of the regular walkers.
A regular walker says that it has been six months since he has seen regular sweeping and maintenance being done in the park; a sweeper comes there only occasionally these days. Residents have complained to the Corporation multiple times and have also raised a complaint on the online portal. Issues highlighted include:
- Lack of Maintenance: The park has not been maintained properly, and trees are dying due to negligence.
- Unpaid Workers: The current workers have not received their salaries, further affecting upkeep.
- Open Gate & Security Concerns: The park gate remains open at all times, leading to illegal activities.
- Mosquito Infestation: The stagnant water and unclean surroundings have increased mosquito breeding, posing a health risk to residents.
It is sad to see that the plants are surviving thanks to the recent rain showers. On my visit, I see a worker watering the parched plants with a hose pipe. But the pipe does not go far enough, so that only the plants near the water tap get enough water. The pipe is also punctured and patched together with tape at many points – with water spraying out.
As I scan the place one last time, I see walkers breaking branches that have grown low on the pathways; there is a huge pile of leaves outside the entrance. This is always a problem because it attracts garbage, says a walker leaving the park. As the temperature climbs, the MGR Road Corporation Park is in dire need of care and revival.
