Varsity officials raise concern over plan to build memorial on University Union Grounds
University of Madras officials are opposing a government plan to build a memorial complex on the University Union Grounds in Chennai. They argue the construction would threaten local vegetation and interfere with the land's primary use for sports and physical education.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between urban development projects and the preservation of educational and recreational spaces in public institutions.
A day after the government’s proposal to build a memorial complex at the University Union Grounds was brought to light, officials of the University of Madras (UoM) met the Higher Education Secretary on Thursday to place on record concerns raised by Physical Education Directors (PEDs) and sportspersons.
Rita John, Registrar, UoM, told The Hindu that she met Higher Education Secretary Dheeraj Kumar to present the matter, and he assured her that he would take up the issue with the authorities concerned.
The State government plans to build the memorial complex for Queen Velu Nachiyar, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, B.R. Ambedkar, K. Kamaraj, and Anjalai Ammal on a portion of University Union Grounds in Chetpet, Chennai.
“No decision has been taken as yet regarding the transfer of land,” sources at the Department said.
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