Chennai: Sports infrastructure in chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s Perambur constituency is set for a boost, with tenders floated for two facilities at a combined cost of about ₹62.82 lakh under constituency development funds.At Mayor Krishnamurthy Nagar, a multi-purpose sports facility will be developed for about ₹41.98 lakh. Greater Chennai Corporation officials said it will include a four-step gallery with seating for around 2,000 people, a stage and provisions for lighting and sound equipment. In addition to the existing football ground, a volley ball court will be built.Another ₹20.84 lakh has been earmarked for developing sports facilities at Dr Ambedkar Government Arts College, with grounds for kabaddi, basketball and cricket, along with sports equipment. “Work will be done along with public works department as the land belongs to them,” said a GCC official. Work on the two facilities will begin once bids are finalised on Sept 18.The projects come in the backdrop of the larger ₹1,013 crore plan announced for Perambur this July, under which several youth and sports infrastructure projects were proposed.V Siva, north Chennai district secretary of TVK and chairperson of Tamil Nadu Housing Board, said, “There is a need to focus on youth. These land spaces have been a missed opportunity for many years. Youth focus has always been one of our priorities.” He said other development work was in the pipeline, including facilities for gig workers and improvement of infrastructure in the locality.Residents said these facilities could provide youngsters with accessible spaces to train and participate in sporting activities in areas where such spaces are limited. “The existing sports facilities, as in Dr Ambedkar Government Arts College, are for namesake,” said Vyasarpadi resident, N Shaktivel. He added that basic facilities in the college, including classrooms and toilets, need improvement. “Our locality has a lot of youth and talent in kabaddi and boxing, such sport facilities are welcomed,” he said.
