Chennai: Tension prevailed at Kazhikundram in Adyar after residents protested against the authorities of a temple in the area for claiming ownership over a piece of land allegedly allotted for children of lower income families to have their mid-day meal.
Established 34 years ago, the government building was dedicated to children of the weaker sections to avail themselves of mid- day meal facilities and also attend polio camps. The building was recently demolished as it was very old. Only last month, the area MLA and other government members performed a puja for laying the foundation for a new building.
However, the authorities of the temple that is situated next to the site, started claiming the land. On Thursday night, the temple authorities allegedly put up a board claiming ownership of the land.
This angered the residents who demanded that the board be removed and that the land be given for the government building.
“We actually have only that space in our area that is not occupied by houses or shops. We organise polio camps there and children also use that space for having their meal. Children below five stay there all day till they can go back home around 9 pm. It is government property and should be treated like one,” said M. Udayapriyam, a resident. The Kotturpuram police have registered a case and have asked both parties not to use of the land until further orders.
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