Although the younger boys enjoying cricket on the edges of Royapuram’s Maadi Poonga (terrace gardens) could not know of its significance, the lengthy thick wall with a backyard is a crucial landmark. It’s the final piece of the wall constructed by the East India Firm.
The choice was made to assemble the wall in 1769 and work on this stretch operating alongside Ebrahim Sahib Road-Outdated Jail Street in north Madras was accomplished in 1772 by Paul Benfield, the contractor. In keeping with an article in The Hindu, this stretch had seven gates, of which solely the one, referred to as the Pulley Gate, survives as the doorway to the Maadi Poonga.
The park has a most important portion within the center that’s flanked by two wings. Passageways join the three parts. The primary portion is at completely different ranges and has a sort of a stage that’s flanked by two pillars that resemble the Pillars of Ashoka.
The park, which is below the management of the Archaeological Survey of India, is being maintained by the Better Chennai Company. In keeping with sources within the civic physique, work has additionally been carried out with the civic physique’s capital funds.
“The compound wall was broken and needed repairs. In the 1.7-acre park, we have laid rough granite, built planter boxes and installed lampposts to fix new lamps. On the top portion, a walker’s path is being laid, grass landscaping is done and play apparatus is being installed. The ASI is in the process of restoring the main wall,” explains an official.
Rajendran, a resident, says the Better Chennai Company ought to be certain that the park has boards explaining its significance in Tamil and English. Kids and children must be taught its significance within the metropolis’s historical past. Maybe, heritage walks may very well be organised for youngsters of native faculties on this park, he provides.
DMK MLA and Minister P. Ok. Sekarbabu says he has allotted ₹60 lakh from his Member of Legislative Meeting Native Space Improvement Scheme funds for renovating the park. “We have also created a small green space below the bridge. We are looking to create more green space at Royapuram,” he says.