In response to opposition against imposing hourly rental charges of ₹120 per person on nine football turfs in Chennai, Mayor R. Priya announced on social media that the move has been revoked, allowing the arenas to continue being used free of charge.
She posted on X: “In response to the requests of students, to enhance and encourage the sports skills of students and youth, the Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to continue providing access to 9 artificial turf football fields free of charge. I also want to mention that the maintenance costs for these fields will be borne by the Corporation.”
The GCC passed resolutions to impose charges for the use of artificial football turfs in nine locations — Mullai Nagar in Vyasarpadi, Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar Play Ground, Rangasaayi Playground, KP Park Play Ground, Dr. Ambedkar Play Ground along Mayor Sathyamurthy Salai, Amma Malikai in Kodambakkam, the ground in Kamakotti Nagar, and the ground in Sholinganallur.
The resolution passed on Tuesday (October 29, 2024) drew flak from several councillors, including those in the DMK, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and AIADMK.
Earlier on Wednesday (October 30, 2024), CPI(M) staged a demonstration in Vepery against the move and other resolutions that privatised maintenance of parks and solid waste management.
Published – October 30, 2024 01:07 pm IST