Activists call for strict measures so that green lung spaces can breathe effectively
In the wake of shrinking urban green spaces, activists have called for a proper identification, mapping and fencing of the areas earmarked for parks and Open Space Reservation land so that they are used for public purposes.
They stressed the need to place information boards regarding the purpose of the lands in order to protect these and ensure it was used only for public purposes. If these spaces were left unguarded, then the land could be encroached upon or the land could turn into dumping yards, they said.
Advocate R. Karunanidhi said as per Rules, the land developers should earmark 10% of the total extent as 'Open Space Reservation' land to be used for public purposes such as public parks and playgrounds.
In March, four residents of Ponmani Garden North in Uthangudi in Madurai had filed a public interest litigation petition before the High Court seeking to restrain authorities from putting up any construction on the space earmarked for a park.
The residents said the land in survey numbers under Uthangudi village was formed into a layout and it was approved by the authorities. The area that was specifically earmarked for a park was intended for recreational use of the residents.
The park was used by the public, particularly by children for playing, and by elderly citizens for walking and relaxation. Under these circumstances, the residents said Corporation authorities had undertaken construction activities for a proposed pumping station.
The residents said the loss of a dedicated public park will severely impact the quality of life in the locality and deprive them of an essential community space. The court ordered the status quo be maintained. After the Corporation told the court that the place earmarked for the park has not been used for any other purpose, the petition was closed.
The High Court has been hearing a number of such petitions to restrain the authorities from using lands earmarked for parks for any other purposes. The court also directed the authorities to take necessary steps to maintain these parks. The Tamil Nadu Parks, Play-fields and Open space (Preservation and Regulation) Act, 1959 was enacted in the interest of the public to preserve and regulate parks, play-fields and open spaces, the court had observed.
In January, to a query raised at the Madurai Corporation Council meeting with regard to the open space reservation and the space allocated for parks, the authorities said a zone wise list/maps earmarking such spaces was prepared. However, AIADMK Councillor Solairaja said they were yet to get such a list.
In Dindigul, CPI (M) Councillor S. Ganesan alleged that a prime land in R.M. Colony earmarked as a children's playground has been encroached upon. He pointed out that as per records the land was earmarked as a children's playground at the time of formation of housing plot.
He said the land was encroached upon by influential people. Though this was brought to the notice of the authorities, appropriate steps have not been taken to remove the encroachment so far, he said, adding that he had also served notices to the authorities.
He said he will be filing a public interest litigation petition before the High Court in this regard. He pointed out that not just in R.M. Colony in the district, but in several places such spaces had been encroached upon.
Offering a solution to prevent such incidents, he said there should be regular monitoring of such lands. The authorities should fence the land and place boards with information for the purpose it is intended to be used, he said.
Activist V. P. Manikandan of Madurai said if necessary monitoring steps were not taken, such open spaces would turn into parking lots, waste dumping yards and also could be encroached upon. He added that awareness was required.
While precautionary measures have been suggested by activists, the district administrations are doing their bit to improve green spaces in the respective districts.
Madurai Corporation officials said sapling planting drives have been initiated to improve the urban lung spaces.
In Dindigul, a cleanliness drive has been initiated and the authorities inspected the maintenance work being carried out in a park in R.M. Colony. Similarly, in Thoothukudi district, the Corporation had launched a green initiative through sapling plantation drives and park restoration works. Waste materials and invasive species were being removed as part of the initiative.
The District Legal Services Authorities in Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga have also undertook mega sapling plantation drives and awareness programmes recently.
Recently, Sivaganga District Collector Asha Ajith's initiative to clean up water bodies and plant saplings around them has been getting huge response from philanthropists thus showing that people are concerned about preserving the eco-system.
A senior official in Sivaganga said that governments alone cannot achieve results. With public participation, not only water bodies, but every single public place - be it in residential or commercial locations - can bring about a substantial change in preserving the environment.
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