A day after the state government unveiled a proposal to erect a memorial complex on a portion of the University of Madras Union Grounds, university officials met with the Higher Education Secretary to voice concerns. Registrar Rita John met Secretary Dheeraj Kumar on Thursday, presenting the issue to the ministry. Secretary Kumar said he would bring the matter to the relevant authorities.
The proposed memorial would honour Queen Velu Nachiyar, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, B.R. Ambedkar, K. Kamaraj and Anjalai Ammal and would be constructed on land in Chetpet, Chennai. Sources from the Department of Higher Education said no decision had yet been taken regarding the transfer of the land. University officials highlighted that the government had requested wider consultations with university authorities, PEDs of affiliated colleges, the sports department, players and other stakeholders before proceeding.
The university urged the state to consider alternative sites so that the Union Grounds remain intact for sports and physical‑education activities. It also asked that the government review long‑pending proposals for a swimming pool, tennis courts, a men’s hostel and a master plan to develop the ground into a modern multi‑sport facility.
Earlier, 25 PEDs and 100 players of affiliated colleges signed a petition to the registrar. The petition warned that construction would remove trees and disturb birds, threatening the natural vegetation. It also raised security concerns, citing that public statues could attract unregulated footfall and casual trespassing, endangering student safety, especially women athletes. The petitioners added that the proposal would create parking problems and could disrupt athletes’ training schedules.
