GCC Advances Eco-Park Project on Perungudi Dumping Yard Despite Opposition!
Despite opposition from residents and environmentalists, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is proceeding with plans to develop an eco-park on the reclaimed Perungudi dumping yard. A senior GCC official confirmed that a new Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared, and a stakeholders meeting will be held once the DPR is ready. The eco-park aims to create a public-friendly facility.
D Karthikeyan, Secretary of Municipal Administration and Water Supply, recently discussed the DPR progress and waste processing facilities in Perungudi with GCC officials. Earlier this year, residents opposed the eco-park at a public hearing, urging the GCC to restore the land to marshland post bio-mining of legacy waste. Activist A Francis highlighted concerns about groundwater pollution from inadequate waste removal.
The proposed eco-park, costing Rs 185 crore, will feature a knowledge center, toilets, parking, bird-watch towers, and six ponds with a total water capacity of 16.86 crore liters. Green belts will cover 62.40% of the 93-acre site, while ponds will occupy 25.56%. Despite the NGT`s suggestions, the GCC has declined to transfer the land to the forest department, citing integrated environmental-friendly project plans.
The Pallikaranai marshland, despite being heavily polluted, supports diverse wildlife, including 625 species such as migratory birds, local birds, fishes, mammals, butterflies, and plants.
