The Hindu 28.10.2013
After years of disuse, Tambaram park is now hub of activity
Muthurangam Park, an important landmark in West Tambaram, which was reduced to a barren piece of land due to years of neglect, has sprung back to life.
The recently inaugurated park is attracting both local residents and visitors from other places. It has also become a much-needed lung space in the region, which has otherwise been suffering from heavy congestion.
Named after the owner of the plot who donated it for the park, the public facility is spread across 3.75 acres.
Once an integral part of the life of residents of the area — news bulletins of All India Radio used to be broadcast over conventional cone loudspeakers to walkers — it slipped into disuse and neglect over the past couple of decades.
A good portion of the park was used for constructing an overhead water tank along with an underground sump (ground level service reservoir) for catering to the drinking water requirements of West Tambaram.
The presence of 3 temples also proved a deterrent to the upgrading of the park. It was not until early 2011 that the local body decided to carry out improvement works.
Nearly Rs. 1 crore was spent for the improvement works.
The works included thematic paintings on the compound walls, including those of famous tourist spots in Tamil Nadu such as Hogenakkal, Niligiri Mountain Railway, temples and scenic spots, said G. Babu, municipal councillor. Municipal officials said that after the improvement works, they had handed over the maintenance of the park to Hindu Mission Hospital.
