Despite the willingness of Thiru Vi Ka Nagar MLA Thayakam Kavi to fund a modern playground project in Otteri’s ward 75, Chennai Corporation officials have rejected the proposal. The area earmarked for the playground is currently utilized for waste dumping and the collection of plastic waste for the cement industry. The rejection, based on the presence of a private trade dealing with plastic waste, has disappointed over 10,000 youths from 8,000 families who would have benefited from the proposed sports facility.
Residents argue that converting the two-acre area into a modern sports facility could transform the lives of hundreds of youths, offering them opportunities in sports, and jobs, and potentially addressing issues like drug abuse.
The plea for a playground is not just about recreation; it’s a call for social transformation, as expressed by individuals like N. Prathap, who missed out on pursuing badminton due to the lack of facilities, and Rishan, who despite football achievements, ended up in a textile showroom due to the absence of a local playground. The community’s demand gains momentum in the wake of a recently laid foundation stone for a modern sports complex in a different locality, raising hopes for a similar facility in Otteri.
Source: ChennaiOnline.com