Madurai corporation’s eco park needs attention

Madurai: The eco park of Madurai corporation on Dr Thangaraj Salai Road, next to the corporation building, urgently requires rejuvenation of the vegetation, grass, regular maintenance of facilities and clearing of waste and dried leaves. The park, one of the premier parks in the city along with the Rajaji park, was renovated in late 2025 with carnival rides. It's fountains, toilets and benches were also repaired. However, after renovation, the private contractor failed to maintain it properly. Members of the Eco Park Walkers' Association who are regulars to the facility said the park management only focuses on generating revenue and not on its maintenance. "Now, they have made us pay for tickets to enter the park," said Periyathambi, the treasurer of the association.Waste is being piled up on the western side of the park. It is also thrown into the open sewage line that runs through the park, creating blockages. There were also cases of open urination, as one of the two toilets in the park is not functional."A old pond in the park is covered with algae, and people are dumping plastic plates and bottles in it," Periyathambi said, adding that the pond has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes."The motor that was used to water grass and plants has been broken for a few months, causing vegetation including the turf-like grass that was installed last year to wither," he said. The fountain, once the main attraction of the park, lies in disuse, he added.Another member Bhoominathan said the association spends about Rs 10,000 a month for the maintenance of the gym equipment and other facilities, but it is not enough. The staff hired by the contractor rarely cleaned the entire park, he said. The members sought proper maintenance of the park, which according to them gets 1,500 visitors daily.A senior corporation official said the civic body will conduct an inspection of the park and instruct the contractor accordingly.