Greater Chennai Corporation drops plan to set up eco park at Perungudi dump yard

The resolution, which was adopted at the Council meeting held on November 28, follows a public stakeholder meeting in February, where the proposal saw widespread public disapproval

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has decided to withdraw a proposal to establish an eco park at the Perungudi dumping ground following significant opposition from the public and administrative considerations. The Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department (MAWSD) had announced the ₹185.42-crore project in 2023, which was intended to resemble the Tholkappia Poonga nature park near Adyar creek.

The design included six ponds, watchtowers, public toilets, and parking facilities. The plan proposed that 62.4% of the park area would be green cover, with ponds occupying 25.56% of the space. However, a public stakeholder meeting held on February 5, saw widespread disapproval of the project.

The Perungudi dumping ground is located in the Pallikaranai marshland, a designated Ramsar site since 2022. The Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority (TNSWA) had suggested that the GCC obtain necessary approvals for the project, and discussions between the civic body and TNSWA officials were held regarding the proposal. The Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TNUIFSL) was also involved. Review meetings held on September 12 and October 22 addressed the eco park proposal and associated challenges.

In the light of public opposition, administrative factors, and recommendations from the TNSWA and TNUIFSL, the GCC decided to withdraw the proposal, according to a resolution passed in the Council on Thursday.

The GCC has also initiated biomining operations at the 225-acre Perungudi dump yard, successfully reclaiming approximately 44 acres, which have been allocated for integrated waste management facilities including the development of a bio-compressed natural gas plant, a composting plant, and an automated material recovery facility. These projects were aimed at sustainable waste management and energy generation. Additionally, the GCC has planned the biomining of fresh waste at the site.

Published - November 28, 2024 08:10 pm IST