A day after the government’s proposal to build a memorial complex at the University Union Grounds was brought to light, officials of the University of Madras (UoM) met the Higher Education Secretary on Thursday to place on record concerns raised by Physical Education Directors (PEDs) and sportspersons.

Rita John, Registrar, UoM, told The Hindu that she met Higher Education Secretary Dheeraj Kumar to present the matter, and he assured her that he would take up the issue with the authorities concerned.

The State government plans to build the memorial complex for Queen Velu Nachiyar, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, B.R. Ambedkar, K. Kamaraj, and Anjalai Ammal on a portion of University Union Grounds in Chetpet, Chennai.

“No decision has been taken as yet regarding the transfer of land,” sources at the Department said.

University sources pointed out that among the demands put forth before the government was the need to hold wider consultations with the University authorities, PEDs of affiliated colleges, the University’s Sports Department, its players, and other stakeholders before taking a decision.

The University requested the government to examine other appropriate locations so that the existing area of the University Union Grounds is left untouched. It demanded that the ground be primarily used for sports and physical education activities, and urged the government to examine the feasibility of the long-pending proposals for a swimming pool, tennis courts, a men’s hostel, and a master plan for the development of the ground as a modern multi-sport facility.

Signed petition

Earlier, PEDs of affiliated colleges and players of the Madras University submitted a signed petition to the Registrar. Twenty-five PEDs and 100 players signed the petition, which highlighted the loss of trees and birds during the construction of the statues, which, they said, would endanger the natural vegetation.

They also flagged security concerns, stating that the presence of public statues could result in unregulated footfall and casual trespassing, creating safety issues for all students, particularly women athletes.

They also pointed to major parking issues and said the proposal could hinder the training regimen of sportspersons.