Tamil Nadu   

Eco park at Adyar creek

Karthik Subramanian

Focus on restoring the lost ecology The spadework for the project, conceived by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, was taken up by the Chennai Corporation more than a year ago.

CHENNAI: The State Government on Thursday passed an order to create an eco-park at the Adyar creek at a cost of Rs. 50 crores in what is expected to become the crown-jewel of all parks in the city.

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been created to manage the eco park, according to the order.

"The Government has been contemplating the establishment of a large-size park to cater to the needs of the citizens of Chennai. Studies clearly showed that the Adyar Creek Park has the potential to satisfy not only the recreational needs but also offer scope to redeem the lost ecology of the area," the order said.

The spadework for the project, conceived by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, was taken up by the Chennai Corporation more than a year ago.

The civic agency constructed a compound wall and iron fencing around the creek area at a cost of Rs 1.24 crores to secure the land.

During this time, a group of ecologists took up a detailed study of the creek and possible ways to restore the tropical dry green forest there.

One ecologist, who sought anonymity, described the creek as a "disaster zone" filled with rubbish. "The Godrej Mangrove Gardens in Mumbai is a good role model to follow with respect to restoration of wetlands," he added.

Government has decided to establish "Adyar Creek Eco-Park Limited" company to implement and managed the project.

An "Adyar Creek Trust" has been formed with the Chief Secretary as chairperson and secretaries of Finance Department, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Highways Department and Forest Environment Department as members.

The trust will be responsible for development of the eco-park in the 60-acre extent of area.

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