Chennai: The construction of Semmenchery police station on Open Space Reservation (OSR) land — once a public park — adjacent to a premium residential complex in Sholinganallur has sparked strong objection from local residents. While police officials maintain that the move is temporary, residents allege that authorities initially sought only half the OSR land but have now occupied the entire space.
Urban planning regulations mandate that 10% of any development exceeding 10,000 sqm must be reserved as open space for community use. The apartment complex, located next to the Sholinganallur RTO along Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), was developed in 2018, with the adjacent OSR land earmarked as a park.
“Our children and elderly residents used the park regularly,” said a resident. However, a few months ago, the Semmenchery police station — previously criticised for being built on a lake — was relocated into the park area.
“A few months ago, CMRL officials approached us saying they needed a portion of the OSR for a temporary police station. Initially, they asked for half, but now they’ve occupied the entire space, even constructing a toilet. Our children have lost their only play area,” said another resident.
Residents argue that this violates urban planning norms.
“This is against OSR land usage rules, which clearly state that such lands are for public recreational purposes,” said Satish Galley, a local social activist.
S Swaminathan, representative of the Confederation of Sholinganallur Constituency Residents Welfare Associations, added, “While the need for a police station is understandable, authorities should have used other available govt land. The park was a vital community space.”
Harsha Koda, co-founder of FOMRRA, pointed out that massive infrastructure works are underway at the Sholinganallur junction. “Two metro stations, a grade separator, and ground-level improvements are ongoing. The police station was shifted to the park, but these projects could take three or more years, making the park inaccessible for a long time,” he said.
A senior police officer confirmed that a permanent facility for the Semmenchery police is under construction and assured that the current arrangement is only temporary. A Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) official said they would review the issue.