To maintain and take care of the eco-sensitive spaces in the city of Chennai, the government of Tamil Nadu formed the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT). Earlier named as the Adyar Poonga Trust, this body was established, to develop an Eco Park in Adyar creek. This is a special purpose vehicle of the state, headed by the chief secretary to the government.
Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust: Responsibilities
- To facilitate the development, conservation and maintenance of the ‘Adyar Poonga’ eco park at Adyar and other places in Tamil Nadu.
- To establish best practices and create a replicable model project of international standards.
- To fulfill the need for open and recreational spaces in Chennai, creating a new international landmark.
- To restore the Adyar estuary to its natural state and to enable the citizens of the city and others to interact with nature and learn about sustainability.
- To formulate plans and implement programmes for the preservation of natural and ecological resources, with a view to mitigating pollution.
- To provide assistance, including infrastructure and support systems, to facilitate the setting up of eco-parks.
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Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust: Major projects
Here are some of the major projects of the CRRT:
Adyar Eco Park Phase-I: Also known as Tholkappia Poonga, the Adyar Eco Park has been set up in the Adyar estuary area. Opened in 2011, it is mostly covered by water and artefacts and signages. Out of 358 acres of land, the first phase of the Park covered around 58 acres, of which 4.16 acres are now in the CRZ-III zone. One-fourth of the 58-acre Park has been dedicated towards a conservation zone, which cannot be accessed by the public. In Phase-I of the ecological restoration plan, more than 91,280 saplings of 172 endemic species of trees, shrubs, herbs, reeds and tuberous plants, were planted, to create a habitat for aquatic, terrestrial and arboreal species.
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Adyar Eco Park Phase-II: The second phase of the project covers ecological restoration of about 300 acres of the Adyar River estuary, between the Theosophical Society and Srinivasapuram. This phase would mainly involve water body restoration, as well as habitat restoration, monitoring of pathways, solid waste management, sanitation and measures to enhance tidal influx in the Adyar estuary and creek. The plan for Phase-II, which covers area under the CRZ-III category and estimated to cost Rs 189.3 million, had been prepared. Around one lakh saplings belonging to 24 mangrove species, will be planted here.
Cooum River Restoration: Funded by the World Bank, the restoration project includes maintenance of riverfront vegetation and an eco-trail. While the corporation has started work on the nature trail, the project is being built in two phases at a cost of Rs 98 million. As per the restoration plan, the model will be based on the San Antonio River Walk in the United States.
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Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust: Helpline
If you wish to contact the CRRT office, reach out to them on the following address:
No-6, Adyar Eco-Park, 103,
Dr DGS Dhinakaran Salai,
Raja Annamalai Puram,
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu 600028.
FAQ
What is Tholkappia Poonga?
The Adyar Eco Park is also known as Tholkappia Poonga. It is an ecological park in the Adyar estuary area of Chennai.
What is the Adyar Eco Park’s timing?
The timing for guided tours in the Adyar Eco Park is as follows: Tuesday and Thursday - between 2.30 PM and 4.30 PM; Saturday - between 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM and 2.30 PM to 4.30 PM.
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