Race course..

Once ( early 1900s ) Race course in Coimbatore was used to train the horses, there after it became a residential colony for the Armed forces, Judiciary, officials and general public. This place is known for lots of trees and its mostly used by the people of Coimbatore for morning and evening walks regularly.

In the aftermath of the commencement of the smart city project work in Racecourse, slowly the identity of this place is lost and the purpose for which it is being used by the people for over hundred years is now defeated. Trees that are being chopped is very important in providing clean air, especially for the walkers and runners in this area who need more oxygen during their training.

The road space is reduced thereby creating traffic snarls and increasing pollution, this is counter productive. Concretisation of the garden area restricts the percolation of water and also it increases the heat and temperature. Sports facilities are created by encroaching on the roads and without giving adequate consideration for road safety and parking for the public.

The plan for creating such an infrastructure is neither discussed nor shared with the people even though it is warranted to include the local association as per the guidelines of Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Government of India. In spite of the repeated requests, no one is informed about the project that is supposed to be created for the people.

We understand through various sources that Advertisement boards are planned to be installed around Racecourse. Kindly note that a similar kind of proposal was implemented earlier and it was removed immediately after a strong objection from the Road safety Committee. We request you to not to attempt such plans which puts the public in danger and resulting in loss to the government.

Kindly note that Racecourse was once a serene area in the city with lots of trees and gardens with walking tracks, now it’s slowly changed into an eyesore with so many Colorful lights and metal fabrications.

Please stop all the activities which is not necessary to the general public who are using the area regularly for fitness and well-being. We request you to wait until the new government takes office, after which we should seek the public opinion on the proposed facilities before proceeding further.

Lastly, we regret to state that this project is a typical example for a Man made disaster.  Hope the Coimbatore Racecourse Smart City project will be more environment friendly, inclusive and transparent.