Strong opposition to handing over VOC Park land in Erode to private operator for redevelopment

Strong opposition has been voiced to a proposal to hand over 6.40 acres of the VOC Park to a private operator for 15 years under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode, with Corporation councillors contending that the move would cause a substantial loss of revenue to the civic body.

The V.O. Chidambaranar Park, popularly known as VOC Park, is spread over 25 acres and was established in 1912. It originally featured a garden and a mini zoo, established in 1992. The park also had fountains and a toy train, which later fell into disuse, while the zoo was subsequently closed. The park remains an important recreational space for residents, but has lost its sheen over the years, prompting demands for its redevelopment.

As part of the State government’s initiative to develop urban infrastructure through PPP projects, the park was identified for redevelopment in 2024. The Corporation engaged a private consultant to prepare a detailed feasibility report and approved the proposal on March 26, 2025. The report was prepared under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer model.

The proposed redevelopment includes an aquarium, tunnel water slides, fountains, a children’s play area, walking tracks, a sports turf with lighting, a gym, exhibition spaces, an open-air auditorium and food stalls.

Corporation Commissioner Arpit Jain said the private operator would make the investment and develop and operate the 6.40-acre portion for 15 years before transferring it to the Corporation. The proposal has, however, drawn strong opposition from councillors, who have urged its withdrawal. It envisages leasing the space to the private operator for a minimum annual payment of ₹1 lakh, with the amount to be increased by 15% once every three years.

The councillors said the Children’s Park and VOC Park were already generating about ₹12.76 lakh a year, apart from revenue from temporary shops. Leasing the property for ₹1 lakh a year would therefore result in a substantial loss to the Corporation, they said, urging it to retain the land and undertake the development works itself. “Though the private operator will make the investment, users will be charged heavily,” said DMK councillor P. Sasikumar.

A resident of Kollampalayam, S. Periyasamy, opposed the proposal, saying a private operator was likely to charge users higher fees. “The Corporation should instead undertake the development works and ensure that the facilities remain affordable for residents,” he said.

Following the opposition, the Mayor had earlier announced that the proposal would be kept in abeyance. Some councillors said they would continue to oppose the proposal at the next council meeting.