Lost amidst T. Nagar’s commercial bustle? We’re at Panagal Park Metro Site. This space represents resilience and adaptation.
Panagal Park, named after the Raja of Panagal, was the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency. He envisioned this park. It became a lung space in the heart of Chennai.
Originally, the park spanned about 8 acres. It offered a green retreat for residents. Over time, Panagal Park became a landmark.
Now, let’s address the changes. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited needed a portion of the park for the underground metro station. Understandably, residents feared losing this green space. The association worried about ending up like Shenoy Nagar, filled with concrete.
CMRL initially planned to cut 150 trees. After redesigning the station, they saved 26 trees. They translocated 25 trees. Only 93 trees were felled for this project. This redesign ensured a 5-meter thick soil depth across Panagal Park. This depth allows planting deep-rooted trees. They reduced the station’s commercial space.
The metro station is part of corridor-4, connecting Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass. This station will improve connectivity. It should be ready by 2026.
Panagal Park has a rich history. In the early days, a public radio entertained visitors. People gathered to listen to music and news. They stayed until the last broadcast at 7.15 p.m.
The park once had three entry points. It housed about 218 trees of various species. Gulmohar, neem, and peepal trees thrived here.
In 2008, the Chennai Corporation renovated Panagal Park. This included constructing a children’s play area. They beautified the entry points and built walkways. A lotus pond and sitting gallery were added.
Panagal Park is surrounded by commercial establishments. Textile and jewelry shops concentrate around South Usman Road and Ranganathan Street. High-end retail stores are also nearby. Educational institutions add to the area’s importance.
Six arterial roads radiate from Panagal Park. North Usman Road goes towards Kodambakkam. G N Chetty Road goes northeast towards Gemini Circle. Thiyagaraya Road leads east. Venkatanarayana Road goes southeast. South Usman Road goes south. Doraiswamy Road goes west.
Today, Panagal Park Metro Site represents progress. It shows an effort to balance development with environmental concerns. The community hopes to reclaim their park. They will continue to advocate for green spaces in Chennai.