A visitor centre near the Cooum river mouth on the Marina is likely to come up as part of an initiative to create awareness of the need for clean waterways. It initiative would also focus on the significant role of the Cooum in the growth and development of Chennai.
Officials of the Chennai River Restoration Trust and the Chennai Corporation had inspected the site of the proposed facility. The visitor centre would be promoted as a tourist attraction and provide a wide range of information to tourists and students.
The visitor centre would have facilities similar to the Marina Barrage Visitor Centre in Singapore and San Antonio Visitor Centre in the U.S. It would house a public education centre with visual, audio and other tools for dissemination of information for the visitors.
Expert advice on services and products pertaining to the Cooum would be provided by professionals. Documentary films for students on the historical, cultural, biological and social significance of the river for the city have been proposed to be screened. Visitors would get information about the latest technology and research done for keeping waterbodies clean.
As the site is within Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the CRRT is considering various sites, including one at a park near the Napier Bridge. The work would begin after obtaining CRZ clearance and approval from the government.
