Semmozhi Park turns hostile to new mothers

By U Archana
Coimbatore: Contractors at Semmozhi Park seem to be giving a tough time to the new mothers. They are not allowing new mothers to carry food for infants, while the facility doesn’t offer any food options for newborns at the food court. Adding to the woes of new mothers, the park also doesn’t offer any proper feeding room, except for a small portable cabin at the food court without any ventilation.

Subha, mother of a seven-month-old baby from Lakshmi Mills who visited the park said, “I was not allowed to carry any food for my baby into the park and was directed to depend on the food court, which is several metres away from the main gate. I did not find any food suitable for a baby, as the menu mostly included fried or fast foods.”

She urged authorities to let new mothers carry food for babies into the park. “The feeding room in the food court has only one chair with no fans.”

Revathi, a 58-year-old homemaker from Thondamuthur who visited the park with her grandson who studies in Bengaluru, said setting up a couple of stalls at the entry point and in shorter distances could be more useful than the present food court, which is located quite a distant from the entrance.

Comparing her experiences in cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Revathi said, “Other than the greenery and pleasant atmosphere, there is nothing much engaging or attractive that satisfies all age groups at this park.” She, however, appreciated the maintenance and cleanliness at the park.

TOI team too faced difficulties with regard to lack of cloak room facilities during the field visit. Also, the bags received from the visitors were kept at the watchman’s room with no proper tagging.

Commenting on these complaints, city corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said, “We are planning to set up a shelter near the parking for visitors who plan a family lunch at the park. They could bring home food, dine there and then enter the park. Other complaints regarding the cloakroom and more feeding rooms will be looked into and measures will be taken to improve the same.”