Work on cycle tracks, parks, walkways and fencing along the Adyar will be initiated shortly, said Mayor Saidai Duraisamy. The civic body has already started work along the Cooum River.
Responding to a query by ward 137 Councillor C. Subramani at the Corporation Council meeting on Saturday, the Mayor said the Greater Chennai Corporation, Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, Revenue Department and the Water Resources Department will start the removal of encroachments along the Adyar.
Pointing to the disaster caused by flooding, Mr. Subramani asked whether a wall along the Adyar would be constructed to prevent flooding of residential neighbourhoods. The Mayor said efforts to obtain a government nod for the eco-restoration of Adyar river have already been taken. The Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust has developed a master plan for the eco-restoration of a 42-km stretch of the Adyar, from Adanur lake to the river mouth. The work along the Adyar covering seven packages will also include the removal of encroachments, development of fencing with artwork, construction of a baby canal and desilting.
“Inspection of flood-affected localities along the river is under way,” said Mr. Duraisamy.
The civic body will develop boom barriers to trap solid waste and take action against buildings that let sewage in the river. A number of houses and commercial buildings along the river are likely to be demolished for the project. Officials will also identify hotspots of pollution along the river. Walkways and parks along the Adyar River are likely to attract tourists.
Sewage treatment plants will also be commissioned by Metrowater along the river. Evicted residents will get alternative accommodation at Okkiyam-Thoraipakkam and Sembakkam, said Mr. Duraisamy.
Officials will identify hotspots of pollution along the river under an eco-restoration project
