Chennai Corporation has plans of creating a new road along the Adyar River connecting Saidapet and Ramapuram to ease the heavily congested arterial roads of Anna Salai, Jawaharalal Nehru Salai and Mount-Poonamallee Road.
The proposal, planners say, also includes development of civic infrastructure along the stretch without affecting the river ecosystem.
The road that will take shape along with the third phase of eco-restoration of the Adyar river will offer better connectivity between Anna Salai and the city’s west. The road is likely to achieve some of the transit goals of the previously shelved proposal to develop an elevated corridor along the Adyar from Malar Hospital to Ramapuram. In addition to the road, walkways and parks along the banks of the river will be developed and encroachments will be removed.
Following the floating of bids for projects associated with the makeover for Cooum, the work on eco-restoration of the Adyar River is also likely to be taken up. A draft of the detailed project report (DPR) for eco-restoration of the Adyar has been prepared and a revised report is expected to be completed in two months.
Chennai Corporation is also planning to create walkways and parks in the stretch from Saidapet to Ramapuram. Other agencies such as Metrowater will implement projects to prevent sewage inlets in the river. Water Resources Department will carry out eco-restoration of the river in suburban areas. The parks will be developed in localities along the river where encroachments have not been identified so far. On successful implementation of the project, residents along the Adyar will also get landscaped greenery, better public health, livelihood, groundwater and clean environment.
The civic body will also initiate action against industries polluting the river. Various agencies such as the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust, Water Resources Department, Chennai Corporation, Metrowater, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board will also take part in a rehabilitation programme.
Work on restoring 58 acres of Adyar creek has been completed. The second phase of the work of 300 acres of the water body is under way. The third phase covers restoration of the river from Fortis Malar hospital all the way till its origin in Adhanur.
