In a significant move, the Tiruchirappalli Smart City Limited has included riverfront development of Uyyakondan canal under the Smart City proposals, giving a fillip to the efforts to clean up the canal that has been subject to severe pollution in recent years.
The project is planned to be executed along the Uyyankondan banks on the lines of Sabarmati riverfront development project.
A decision to the effect was taken at a recent consultative meeting of Tiruchirappali Smart City Limited (TSCL) held in Chennai recently.
A consultant, who has been asked to draw up a preliminary report on the proposal, visited the banks of Uyyakondan canal in the city a few days ago and held discussion with Corporation Commissioner-cum-Special Officer N. Ravichandran. The preliminary report will be placed in the next meeting of TSCL for follow up action.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Ravichandran said that according to rough estimates, the project could cost about ₹100 crore.
The project was not only aimed at preserving and strengthening the 1,000-year-old Uyyakondan canal, but also to develop the community and social infrastructure, improve the environment and bring about sustainable development.
“Next to the Cauvery river, the Uyyakondan canal is a blessing not only to the farmers but also to the residents of Tiruchi. The inclusion of Uyyakonndan in smart city proposal will make a real difference to the profile of Tiruchi,” Mr. Ravichandran said.
Prevention of drains and sewage being let out into the canal, dumping of garbage, beautification of canal, setting of public parks and landscaping, open gyms, setting up of infrastructure for social gatherings would be part of Uyyakondan waterfront development project. A consultant for preparing Detailed Project Report would be appointed shortly.
The age old canal, built by Raja Raja Cholan and renovated by Kulothunga Cholan, has an ayacut of 32,000 acres and feeds 36 tanks. The city stretch of the canal that traverses about 71 km between Pettavaithalai and Vazhavanthankottai tank has been subject to heavy pollution.
The State government had a few years back implemented a rehabilitation and modernisation project on the city stretch of the canal at a cost of ₹11.5 crore.
