Balasubramaniam Park is up against a twin assault: misuse of its premises for storage of construction equipment and material; and a roadside temple making “inroads” into the green space meant for the public. Located at the junction of Chellapillayar Koil Street and Hussain Mulk Road, Balasubramanian Park was an oasis of green in a drearily grey and congested area, marked by matchbox-sized houses tightly packed together.

As a resident of Chellapillayar Koil Street for two decades, M. Priya is at ground zero having a clear view of the abuse suffered by the park. She notes access to the park, which once had children’s play equipment and benches for visitors, is now completely blocked.

‘Check the encroachment’

Until recently, the temple was only a temporary structure; but has been made a permanent structure now taking up public space. The park lying behind the temple is in disarray, its walls broken to bring in construction equipment. Residents of streets around the park fear if Greater Chennai Corporation does not step in to take action, the park and the street space around it will be taken over by the encroachment.

“The temple has also temporarily blocked off access to Hussain Mulk Street,” says Priya, referring to temporary fire pit structures and a metal awning raised ahead of a function at the temple on July 2.

A shopkeeper near the park says that the space has often been neglected by local authorities. “Earlier, we had trouble preventing people from using the park to keep cattle. Many a time, the space would be used by miscreants at night. But it is worrying that a private structure is gradually taking over the little public space available to residents.”