Move to build war memorial on Shanghumugham ground flayed

Thiruvananthapuram: The century-old Chithira Thirunnal football ground at Shanghumugham, used by various sports clubs of the area, is also a popular spot for public gatherings of fishermen, residents and visitors to the beach.
No wonder they are unhappy over the decision of the authorities to hand over the land to the Sainik Welfare Board to build a war memorial there.
Ever since Cyclone Ockhi, this ground was the only play area for the local players.The ground becomes alive from 5am every day with football, badminton and cricket matches. It is also a sought-after location for morning walkers. With the proposal for construction of a war memorial on the 1.55 acres, people will be left with no space to carry out these activities.
The plot was donated by the Travancore royal family in early 1971 to construct football ground for the passionate players of Shanghumugham.
“Four months ago, the officials of district administration, including collector, visited the site to conduct a survey and that was when we came to know that the government has a proposal to construct a war memorial,” said Shanghumugham ward councillor Solomon Vettukad, who presented the issue in the corporation council the other day.
According to the additional district magistrate, V R Vinod, land which belongs to the government has already been transferred to Sainik Welfare Board.
“Unlike other states, Kerala has no war memorial. So, Sainik Welfare Board wanted to build one on a suitable plot with road frontage. We could provide alternative land for a playground,” Vinod said.