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Key Points

Chief Minister MK Stalin personally inspected the upgraded Tholkappia Poonga eco park in Chennai. He planted a Kondrai sapling and directed officials to open the park to public soon. The ₹42.45 crore upgrade includes modern amenities like watchtowers, food courts, and children's play areas. This revitalization continues the park's legacy as an environmental education center that has already benefited over 112,000 students.

Key Points: MK Stalin Inspects Upgraded Tholkappia Poonga Eco Park Chennai

  • CM Stalin planted Kondrai sapling during inspection of upgraded facilities
  • Park features new entrance gateway, watchtower, and children's play area
  • Originally inaugurated in 2011 by M Karunanidhi after 2008 foundation
  • ₹42.45 crore revitalization project approved in July 2021 for maintenance
  • Includes Skywalk connection to Santhome High Road and CCTV surveillance
  • Serves as environmental education center benefiting over 112,000 students
2 min read

Tamil Nadu: CM MK Stalin inspects upgraded Tholkappia Poonga in Chennai

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin visits the ₹42.45 crore upgraded Tholkappia Poonga, inspects new facilities and directs early public opening of the eco park.

"The Chief Minister directed officials to open the upgraded park to the public at the earliest - Press Release"

Chennai, October 1

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday visited the upgraded Tholkappia Poonga (Eco Park) at Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai, developed by the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT) under the Department of Municipal Administration and Water Supply, for Rs 42.45 crore, a press release said.

During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected various development works, planted a Kondrai sapling, and directed officials to open the upgraded park to the public at the earliest.

The upgraded facilities in the Eco Park include a new entrance gateway, a watchtower, a visitor gallery, a children's play area, and several other modern amenities.

According to the release, the foundation stone for Tholkappia Poonga was laid in 2008 by M. Karunanidhi. Later, CRRT restored the 58-acre Adyar Creek and established the Tholkappia Poonga, which was inaugurated and opened for public use on January 22, 2011, by Karunanidhi. Since then, the park has been serving the people.

As the park lacked proper maintenance over time, Chief Minister Stalin instructed CRRT to undertake redevelopment. Accordingly, in July 2021, a detailed project report was prepared, and the Government of Tamil Nadu sanctioned Rs 42.45 crore for the revitalisation project.

As part of the redevelopment, CRRT has established new facilities, including a modern entrance gateway, a watchtower, a visitor centre and gallery, walkways, a food court, new restrooms, an open-air theatre, a connecting bridge, CCTV surveillance, and a children's play area.

Additionally, Greater Chennai Corporation has constructed a Skywalk linking Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the park to Santhome High Road. A Triple-Cell Box Culvert across Dr. DGS Dinakaran Road is also nearing completion to replace the existing pipeline channel, the press release stated.

Tholkappia Poonga functions as a Centre for Environmental Education and Research. Awareness programs are regularly conducted to benefit students and the community. So far, 1,446 schools have participated, with 1,12,826 students and 6,070 teachers attending the programs, gaining awareness on urban wetland conservation.

A total of 32,973 members of the public have visited the park.

Additionally, on May 12, 2022, the Chief Minister permitted public access to the 3.2 km walking track within the park. Since then, 24,528 people have benefited, the release said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 42.45 crore seems quite high for park upgrades. While I appreciate the development, I hope the funds were used efficiently. The government should be transparent about the expenditure breakdown.
A
Arjun K
The environmental education programs are the real highlight here! 1,12,826 students learning about wetland conservation - this is exactly what our cities need. Kudos to the CM for prioritizing both development and environmental awareness.
S
Sarah B
As someone who lives nearby, I've seen the transformation. The skywalk connecting to Santhome High Road is a game-changer for pedestrian safety. The park was really neglected before, so this upgrade is much needed.
K
Karthik V
Good to see infrastructure projects being completed. The walking track and CCTV surveillance will make it safer for morning walkers. Hope they maintain it properly this time - that's always the challenge with public spaces in India.
M
Meera T
The food court and open-air theatre sound wonderful! Chennai needs more such recreational spaces. Hope the entry fees are reasonable so that everyone can enjoy these facilities. 🙏

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