The Race Course model road Smart City project work started in August 2020 at a cost of about Rs. 40 Crores.
Coimbatore: Environment Conservation Group President expresses gratitude to Corporation Commissioner for removing steel structures in Race Course, Coimbatore and saving it from environmental damage in the Smart City project.
In a press release, he said, "Coimbatore – the Manchester of South India, the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu is surrounded by biodiversity-rich forests, but unfortunately the city itself has a very little green cover and open spaces. Race course is one of the very few green open spaces used by citizens for decades. This iconic heritage lush green area not only helps in tackling pollution, bringing down the temperature but is also home to rich biodiversity including bugs, birds and butterflies. But unfortunately, Coimbatore is losing this iconic heritage open space in the name of smart city projects."
"The Race Course model road Smart City project work started in August 2020 at a cost of about Rs. 40 Crores. The existing walker’s path was removed and a new path is being constructed along with colourful light, play and gym area. The Smart City project is supposed to incorporate citizen participation and retain the identity and culture of the place. As the work proceeded and as they started destroying the parks and changing the structure of the Race Course people were alarmed and approached the Corporation for relief."
He added that "In spite of repeated requests from various stakeholders the Race Course plan was not disclosed to the public by the authorities nor were locals engaged in the planning process. An e-petition was started on 14th April 24, 2021, asking for the project to stop felling trees and retain the greenery, to dismantle the tall steel structure at Thomas park and make the road there more motorable and be transparent by disclosing the plan details."
Adding, "To be inclusive by taking the concerns of the stakeholders and forming an advisory committee and no commercialization of the area by bringing kiosks which would lead to more garbage, which in turn would attract more pests. Our demand on e-petition resonated strongly with thousands of people who signed the petition."
He said, "On 21st April 24, 2021, a silent and peaceful solidarity walk was organized at 6.30 am at RaceCourse, hundreds of like-minded people from various walks of life joined the walk. Prominent people like Dr Mahendran, Mayura Jayakumar, N. Karthik and Karthikeya Sivasenapathy also lend their voice to the save Race Course movement. Newspapers, social media and TV channels were filled with visuals of a damaged Race Course devoid of greenly. The overwhelming support from the public, politicians, the media and thousands of people signing the petition made the corporation office recognise the demand and respond."
Also, they extended their gratitude to the Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner. "We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Coimbatore City Municipal Commissioner Kumaravel Pandian who responded to this petition and asked for the immediate dismantling of the steel structure at Thomas Park and bring back the park there, called for a public discussion and heard public grievances and suggestions, made public the plan for Race Course and for his assurances to not have kiosks, form a committee and make the place greener."
"We convey our deep sense of gratitude to the thousands of supporters who have signed, commented and shared the petition, to the print and visual media for highlighting the issue and the politicians for lending their voice in support of our cause. It is the victory of people’s power, activism, enthusiasm, and most importantly their love for nature that has saved Race Course from further destruction," the press release added.