Residents of Mathur MMDA oppose GCC's decision to construct separate indoor gyms for men and women inside Mathur MMDA park. Project cost: ₹1.87 crore, covering 300 sq.m. Concerns raised: loss of green area, demolition of warm-up arena used for karate, boxing, and silambam practice for seven years, displacement of sports coaching. Karate coach Bhaskar S said flooring in demolished arena was ideal for sports; now forced to use cramped circular area between pillars. M Raja Rajan, TNHB Colony Welfare Association president, worried about tree loss. Users cite maintenance issues: broken compound walls, non-functional outdoor gym equipment, poor lighting, deteriorating pathways. S Srinivasan, Walkers Association vice-president, questioned why gym construction proceeds at speed despite opposition when basic repairs are pending. GCC official stated indoor gyms are part of mayor's announcement and implemented per norms. Mathur MMDA Park: 2.5 acres, opened 2016, features skating rink, play area, meditation hall, walking paths. Originally designated green space in 1990s, used as dump yard until 2011, came under GCC jurisdiction with construction beginning 2012.

At least 20 buildings in Mathur MMDA, developed in the 1990s by Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) and Madras Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), remain unused for decades. Intended for primary and nursery schools, police station, fire station, and electrical substation, they now host anti-social activities, especially after sunset. TNHB failed to transfer or sell them to respective departments or buyers. Residents report groups aged 15-25 gathering nightly to consume alcohol in abandoned school buildings. A converted nursery school used as ration shop has no compound wall; approximately 20 boys aged 15-18 hide behind it to drink alcohol. Recent incidents include drunken individuals throwing stones at electrical boxes and harassing women. Abandoned sites serve as garbage dumping grounds, increasing mosquito populations and health risks. Several vacant lands earmarked for theatre, religious spaces, and market also remain unused. Police have increased patrolling but residents demand permanent solutions: demolition and replacement with functional schools, hospitals, parks, and community halls. TNHB acknowledged the issue, stating these structures are nearly 40 years old, and a list of abandoned buildings in Mathur and Manali is being compiled. A letter sent to chief engineer for further action; demolition to proceed after consulting higher officials.