Tamil Nadu memorial plan faces objections from university sports community
The Tamil Nadu government has proposed an integrated memorial and library for five political and social figures on part of the University Union Grounds in Chennai. University staff, physical education directors and sports users oppose the plan, warning that it could reduce sporting space and affect access and trees.
The Tamil Nadu government has proposed building an integrated memorial complex and library for five prominent figures on part of the University Union Grounds in Chetpet, Chennai. The proposed memorial would honour Queen Velu Nachiyar, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, B.R.
Ambedkar, K. Kamaraj and Anjalai Ammal. The government has announced an investment of ₹5 crore for the project, according to a letter sent by the Chennai Collector to the University of Madras.
Sources said the Collector’s letter, dated September 17, sought the university’s consent to use part of the grounds. Officials from the Egmore Tahsildar’s office had reportedly visited the site and measured the proposed plot. The grounds on Spur Tank Road are used by the university, affiliated colleges and other educational institutions for sports meets, training and competitions.
A northeastern section, formerly occupied by a tennis court, was later used for cricket nets and handball practice. Faculty members, physical education directors and sports enthusiasts have objected to the proposal. They said constructing the complex could require a pathway through the ground, reducing space available to athletes and sportspersons.
They also argued that the memorial could be built on other government land in Chennai. University teaching staff said the focus should instead be on improving sporting facilities and urged the institution not to transfer the plot without wider discussions involving the Syndicate, Senate and other stakeholders. The grounds have hosted the Buchi Babu Memorial Cricket Tournament, the A.L.
Mudaliar Athletics meet, women’s international cricket matches and Tamil Nadu Cricket Association lower-division league games. College football teams also train there. One physical education director said 10 to 15 trees might be cut and that vultures regularly visiting the area could lose habitat.
The source material does not state whether the university has given consent or when construction might begin.
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