Porur is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the nearing completion of its first urban wetland park. This ambitious project, developed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in collaboration with Sponge Collaborative, is set to enhance the city’s green infrastructure and ecological resilience.
Spanning 16.63 acres of open space reservation (OSR) land adjacent to Sri Ramachandra University on Mount-Poonamallee High Road, the park features a variety of amenities aimed at enriching the urban environment. Highlights include a 600-metre boardwalk, a vibrant pollinator garden, a basketball court, and numerous seating areas. Central to the park’s design is a series of landscaped channels that lead to a revitalised 6-acre lake. The park’s design integrates advanced ecological principles with practical urban planning. According to the co-founder and director of Sponge Collaborative, the project has transformed an existing stormwater drain into a blue-green infrastructure system. This system employs swales for runoff collection and nature-based filtration, enhancing the natural waterbody’s capacity to manage stormwater and recharge groundwater.
The wetland park is poised to play a crucial role in CMDA’s strategy to bolster climate resilience in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The initiative aims to showcase nature-based solutions for improving water quality and managing runoff, while also providing a habitat for diverse species. It is expected to raise awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems and foster environmental education. Urban planners view this project as a model for the innovative use of OSR land. “The restoration of the waterbody through sponge techniques is a commendable approach. The CMDA should continue to engage ecologists, hydrologists, and other experts to fully realise the ecological and biodiversity benefits of the restoration,” commented an environmental economist at MIDS.
As the project nears its final stages, it promises to be a significant addition to Porur’s urban landscape, exemplifying how green infrastructure can be integrated into city planning to improve environmental sustainability and community well-being.
