Deccan Chronicle 12.11.2009

My Ladye’s Park turns 150, cries for attention

Chennai, Nov. 11: Chennai, which devours lung space on the pretext of development, conveniently forgot or rather ignored the 150th year of the evolution of the idea that is ‘People’s Park’. Situated near Ripon Buildings, the park known to the present generation as ‘My Ladye’s Garden’ is one of the last large green spaces existing within the city.

When the park was thrown open to the public in 1863, it stretched to 116 acres with 12 lakes complete with boat rides. The objective of the then governor of Madras Presidency, Sir Charles Trevelyan, who put forth the idea, was simple — improve the civic life of Madras.

Historians of the city have recorded that the corporation, that has been taking care of the park since 1865, adopted different strategies to attract Madrasis to it. The establishment of a zoo, with the presence of a live tiger, was definitely a lure. Senior citizens recollect that the zoo functioned at the park till 1979, after which it was shifted to Vandalur.

The fall from grace for the park began during the British Raj itself when large tracts were allocated to build Ripon Buildings and the development of Central Station, and, after Independence, for the construction of Nehru Stadium.

At a time when government machinery has started giving importance to Chennai’s glorious past, with a process in place to restore Victoria Hall and Ripon Buildings, the significance of this beautiful park and its link to Chennai’s colourful history is a matter that authorities should not ignore.

If restored and taken care of, this ecological vestige of the past would become the greatest boon that Chennai could offer to future generations.