Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Poojappura maidan: locals on the warpath

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Residents in the Poojappura area are joining hands to protest the use of the Sri Chithira Tirunal memorial stadium and the premises of the Saraswathy Mandapam for hosting trade fairs and other commercial activities during the festival season.

Residents complain that the open ground is converted into an eyesore during a trade fair. The neighbourhood is forced to put up with the constant blaring of loudspeakers and the ground is dug up to put up stalls and entertainment equipment.

“Once the ground is fenced off, it becomes out of bounds for the public for days on end,” says G. Radhakrishnan, secretary of the Unni Nagar Residents Association.

Generally known as the Poojappura Maidan, the sprawling ground is a popular destination for the local people who have been using the grounds for a daily walk or an exercise session. A large number of sportspersons turn up at the maidan to play cricket, football, cycle polo and other sports. The skating rink on the premises of the mandapam is a major attraction for children.

Right from morning, senior citizens from all over the city converge at the Bhagat Singh memorial park attached to the stadium for a walk or to while away the time on the benches.

Ward councillor K. Maheswaran Nair has urged Mayor C. Jayan Babu to restrict the use of the grounds to sporting and cultural activities. Mr. Nair, who is also the chairman of the standing committee on Taxes and Appeals, said he would raise the issue through a resolution in the Corporation Council. “The entire locality, cutting across political and social lines, has come forward to support the demand for restrictions on the use of the maidan,” he added. Residents allege that many of the fairs are organised even without the mandatory approval of the City Corporation. As many as 25 associations in the Thrikkannapuram, Punnakkamugal, Chengalloor, Mudavanmugal and Karamana wards have decided to launch an agitation to press for restrictions on the use of the grounds. “The issue will figure prominently in the zonal conference of the Federation of Residents Associations, Thiruvananthapuram (FRAT) to be held on January 13. The meeting will finalise an action plan including a dharna to press the demand,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has launched a Rs.30-lakh project to renovate and beautify the mandapam, the park and its premises. The project involves the construction of an open air arena and a cultural centre adjacent to the park.

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