Trichy: The Trichy Corporation has approved a proposal to demolish an underutilised vegetable market in Palakkarai and develop an artificial turf facility in its place to provide a decentralised sports space for residents.
Officials said the market, located in Arunachalam Colony under Ward 33 in Zone II, was built on about 3,000 sq ft of land at a cost of Rs 31.5 lakh from general funds during 2008–09 and came into use in March 2012. However, its usage declined sharply in recent years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, as vendors increasingly began selling vegetables on nearby residential streets.
Apart from low patronage, residents complained that the premises were being misused at night by anti-social elements for consuming liquor and drugs, posing a safety concern despite the market being located near the Palakkarai police station.
Around 700 families reside in Arunachalam Colony, a densely populated neighbourhood that lacks adequate open spaces for sports and recreation. Residents suggested converting the poorly utilised market site into a playground facility.
Based on the request, the corporation proposed developing an artificial turf with floodlights and a covered roof under the state government's Namakku Naame scheme. Residents have agreed to contribute Rs 8 lakh, while the corporation will fund Rs 16 lakh for the project.
"Required permissions from the municipal administration department have been obtained to demolish the market and set up the artificial turf. Vendors will be relocated appropriately. A tender has been floated to identify a contractor to commence work," a corporation official said.
The civic body said a revenue-sharing and maintenance model would be finalised to ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility. Options such as leasing the turf to a private operator while giving priority access to Arunachalam Colony residents are being considered.
Officials added that if the initiative proves successful, similar artificial turf facilities could be developed in other parts of the city in partnership with residents.
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Deepak is Trichy-based journalist working as Assistant Editor for...
Read MoreDeepak is Trichy-based journalist working as Assistant Editor for The Times of India, covering central and Cauvery delta districts in Tamil Nadu. He writes on politics, transport, urban infrastructure, industries and technology. Deepak has completed his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical engineering from Sastra university and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations from Bharathidasan university.
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