Despite the lack of enough lung space in north Chennai, work has been going on to create many new parks and renovate the existing parks. Across all the 5 zones of the northern region of GCC, atleast 20 new parks would be coming up in the future under the Singara Chennai 2 project.
Two parks would be coming up in zone 1 (Thiruvottiyur) at a cost of Rs 75.69 lakhs and 6 parks in zone 2 (Manal)I at a cost of Rs 138lakhs. At a cost of Rs 429.81 lakhs, in zone 3 (Madhavaram) 12 parks would be coming up. Two parks would be coming up in zone 4 ( Tondiarpet) at a cost of Rs 46.58lakhs and one park to come up in zone 5 (Royapuram) at a cost of Rs 38.70 lakhs.
Regional deputy commissioner (north) belonging to GCC, Mr. M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran spoke about how during the field inspections the residents raised the need to improve parks like repair of play equipment, lights and toilets etc. Periodic review meetings have been taking place since January. He hinted that each and every park has been inspected and taken up for the rectification work. Till now, nearly 80% of rectification works have been completed.
It is known that north Chennai has got fewer lung spaces when compared with the rest of Chennai. New parks would be developed on OSR or open space reservation lands under the Singara Chennai 2.0 project.
It must be recalled that in 2021-22 under the Singara Chennai 2.0 project work on 3 parks was taken up at a cost of RS 900.37 Lakhs in the Royapuram zone. Point is that the Basin Bridge- Mint flyover park is a major landmark with a boat as centrepiece, Miyawaki forest, yoga centre, seating spaces etc. An amount of Rs 250.37 lakhs is being used to renovate Anna Park and Rs 213 lakhs used to improve the famous Maadi Poonga.
An amount of Rs 90 lakhs is being used now under the Singara Chennai 2022-23 to develop Miyawaki forest in Thanigai Nagar, Manali New Town in the Manali zone.