In Perungalathur, roadside parks and gardens are coming up in what were once vacant sites full of refuse and used as unauthorised parking lots.
Officials at the town panchayat said the developing of such parks on the roadsides has helped them curtail littering.
They also hope that vehicular pollution will come down in the residential areas along the GST.
Executive Officer of the town panchayat, M. Kesavan said, “Plants are known to reduce pollution to a great extent. Having plants / trees on the roadside is one way of ensuring a clean environment in the neighbourhood. They also help in beautifying the road.”
“Through this initiative, we are requesting individuals, shop-owners, businesses and companies in the locality to set up a garden at the roadside in front of their house and the town panchayat will take up the responsibility of maintaining it.” “Right from watering the plants to all kinds of maintenance activities, it will all be done by the town panchayat. This will help increase the green cover in the locality and reduce pollution,” he said expecting the residents to voluntarily participate in the initiative.
“As a model, we have set up model roadside gardens in front of the town panchayat office and near Sri Agatheeswarar Temple. It is at the initial stage, so we have limited plants. Soon we will be increasing the plant count. Our aim is to encourage residents to follow our strategy of planting trees on the roadside,” he said.
The town panchayat plans to plant as many saplings as possible on the first death anniversary of former President Abdul Kalam on July 27.
