2 km stretch from Madhya Kailash to SRP Tools to get urban forest like environment
Posted on: 12/Aug/2019 10:04:40 AM
In Chennai, starting from Madhya Kailash Junction to SRP Tools, 2 km stretch of Buckingham Canal would get makeover. This has been planned by the officials belonging to the GCC or Greater Chennai Corporation. An amount of Rs 20 crores would be spent on this makeover.
It is important to mention that the walkways, cycle tracks and urban forest on the banks could be submerged from the stench from the sewage flowing into the water body. It must be noted that the project would be funded by the state government and Chennai Smart Cities Ltd started contacting architects and designers. The NGOs have been contacted for suggestions on what could be done under the project that was announced by Mr. S.P. Velumani who is the rural and municipal administration minister.
According to an official of GCC it is clear that the work on preparing DPR has started and the government is showing lots of interest to begin the project at the earliest. He added that the discussions have been going on with NGO’s and organisation that work on environmental projects to get suggestions on how to beautify the section.
Point is Miyawaki method of growing trees would not only ensure urban forest like environment but also attract biodiversity that could be used. It was revealed by the official that the investment on the Miyawaki method of growing trees would not be costly.
Along the south Buckingham Canal, there are 4 MRTS stations like Kotturpuram, Kasturba Nagar, Indira Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur etc. The official later explained about how there are plans to develop cycling tracks and pedestrian pathways along both the banks. By this, these stations would be connected to the hospitals and institutions on this stretch.
It was also mentioned by the official that there would be connectivity to the interior roads as well so that the area could bustle with activity. It was later pointed out by a resident that it would not be sufficient if the stretch alone is beautified. He threw light on how the civic body should stop sewage from entering the canal if people must visit and use these tracks. He then explained about how the whole project would become useless if sewage outlets are unplugged and how it would create health issues for the public if left unplugged.
Since 1980’s, clean up of canal has been planned and in the year 2010 CRRT or Chennai River Restoration Trust was entrusted with the project.
