Chennai: Memories of a greener, tree-filled Nageswara Rao Park came alive at a silent gathering in Mylapore on Sunday, with more than 50 residents, volunteers from Nizhal and civic activists coming together to protest what they described as the park’s growing concretisation.Since 2024, when Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) undertook stormwater drain construction, the four-acre park has remained largely unusable as it was dug up. The ₹12.22-crore project, launched in Sept 2025, was originally scheduled for completion by Feb 2026 but remains unfinished.Protesters said the redevelopment had changed its character, with large portions dug up and concrete replacing green spaces. “The concrete must be removed fully and whatever has been done must be undone,” said T D Babu of Nizhal.The protesters gathered and discussed the park’s history. They held placards that said, ‘Save the park.’ The hour-long protest involved the members recalling their memories of the park and the way forward. Babu said the civic body had not consulted the green committee before trees were cut and that the contractor should be penalised. Meera Ravi Kumar of Gandhi Nagar, who had earlier lived near the park, said she joined the protest while she was passing by. Recalling the park from her earlier years, she said, “I remember how wonderful the park used to be. It brought back so many memories, and I wanted to join the people here protesting for the park.”For some regular visitors, the redevelopment has been particularly difficult to watch. Supraja S, who lives near the park, said, “I was supposed to travel to Pune with my daughter. I sent her alone and stayed back for the protest. It really breaks my heart to see the park in such a state.”GCC assistant engineer Vadivu said the work will be expedited. “Some modifications have been made to the design. This will add more greenery to the park. Trees will also be replanted,” she said.
