Officials of Chennai Corporation and Southern Railway on Monday set the ball rolling on the development of various infrastructural requirements for the State Government’s ambitious Rs. 42-crore eco-restoration project of the Chetpet Lake.
At the first co-ordination committee meeting held on Monday, projects that were discussed included the elevated link between Chetpet railway station and the eco park, infrastructure connecting Poonamallee High Road with the park and a multi-level parking lot to accommodate 200 cars. The park is being planned in a 15-acre area adjoining the lake. The State government has given administrative sanction for the restoration project.
Officials of Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust, Chennai Corporation, Fisheries Department, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board and Railways participated in the meeting.
Officials at the meeting suggested that the eco park be open until midnight to attract more people and make it a hub of entertainment.
The eco restoration project aims to rejuvenate the 9-acre water body.
Also on the anvil is the development of a sea food restaurant, joggers’ track, walkways, lighting, fountains and play area for children.
The work is expected to commence shortly and the facilities are likely to be commissioned in 2015.
The Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Finance Services has prepared a detailed project report for restoration of the waterbody that has been affected by illegal sewer connections from residential neighbourhoods.
The Chennai Corporation has also asked the Railways to permit construction of a box culvert beneath the tracks to connect the lake with Cooum River near Spur Tank Road as part of the project.
