Parents of Srirangam corpn school demand playground

Trichy: Parents in the school management committee (SMC) of Sri Ranganatha corporation middle school in Srirangam are leading a confrontation against Trichy corporation and a private trust, seeking a playground for schoolchildren.According to the parents, without a proper play area, the school's strength was declining and sought corporation to retrieve its property, which was underutilised by a private trust as a stone hall for religious purposes. Situated in ward number 7 in Srirangam zone, the school has around 250 students studying between classes I and VIII. Though the school has adequate classrooms and toilets, it lacks a playground. Recently, the SMC identified a property adjacent to the school compound: a stone mandapam used by a private trust. Once a year, the processional deity of Srirangam temple visits the mandapam and offers darshan. On other days, the property remains underutilised. The SMC said that the land belongs to the corporation and was rented out to the trust. "There is no other vacant land near the school for a playground. Without a ground, our children are not learning silambam or self-defence training classes available in other govt schools. Every year, around 20 students shift to private schools," M Eswari, chairperson, SMC of the school, said. Parents said that corporation is lethargic in retrieving the property to utilise it as a playground. "A board was placed before the property in dispute, claiming ownership by Trichy corporation. But as there was no further development, parents are worried about the delay in taking over the property," S Radha, councillor, ward 7, told TOI. Mayor Mu Anbalagan told TOI that he would inspect the land in dispute and visit the school to provide solutions.Parents demand a playground for Trichy corporation school: School: Sri Ranga corporation middle school Ward: 7, Amma Mandapam Road Strength: 250 Classes: I to VIII Playground area required: 5,000sqft