Sun Feb 02 16:21:48 UTC 2025: **Chennai Cricketers Left in the Dark: Gopalapuram Playground Lacks Adequate Lighting**
**CHENNAI, February 2, 2025** – Cricket enthusiasts at the Gopalapuram playground on Conron Smith Road are struggling to play their favorite sport due to inadequate lighting, forcing them to curtail their games before nightfall. While the ground officially remains open until 8 p.m., players report that visibility significantly deteriorates after 6 p.m., impacting both batting and fielding.
The lack of high-mast lighting stands in stark contrast to nearby Trustpuram playground, which boasts two such lamps providing sufficient illumination. This disparity is baffling given Gopalapuram’s central location and high usage, particularly by those who only have evenings free for recreation, like Eshwar, a Mylapore resident who squeezed in a cricket game after delivering snacks.
The poor lighting conditions are hindering the enjoyment of many who rely on the evening hours for leisure. Players are appealing for the installation of high-mast lamps to improve the playing conditions and extend their game time. The issue highlights a gap in civic infrastructure impacting a popular community space.
First Piper 