Chennai to Revamp Chetpet Eco Park with rs10 Crore Renovation Project
Chennai’s Eco Park, nestled in the heart of the city at Chetpet, is set to undergo a major transformation with a ₹10 crore investment by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The much-needed renovation is aimed at revitalising this popular urban retreat, which has seen signs of neglect over the years due to various environmental and maintenance challenges. Once complete, the revamped Eco Park will not only improve the visitor experience but also help address crucial urban environmental issues, including pollution and the urban heat island effect.
The CMDA’s proposed upgrade to the 16-acre Eco Park will feature a range of new attractions designed to make it a more engaging and eco-friendly space for residents and tourists alike. Among the planned additions are water sports facilities, musical fountains, bird-view decks, an aquarium, and rock climbing zones. The park will also see the introduction of an amphitheatre and revamped fishing spots, catering to a diverse range of outdoor activities. In addition, walkways and public toilets will be modernised, ensuring a more comfortable and accessible environment for all visitors. These developments align with the city’s ongoing push to promote sustainable, green spaces within urban areas.
The renovations come at a crucial time as the city grapples with growing concerns about air and water pollution, as well as the adverse effects of urban heat islands, where the dense concentration of buildings and roads traps excess heat. By refurbishing Chetpet Eco Park, the CMDA seeks to address these issues directly. The park, once rejuvenated, will not only provide an essential escape from the heat but also serve as a green lung in the city, absorbing carbon emissions and contributing to the overall health of Chennai’s urban ecosystem.
Originally revitalised by the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department in 2017, the Eco Park was an ambitious project designed to enhance recreational spaces for Chennai residents. Over the years, however, the park has struggled with maintenance issues, including sewage pollution and overgrown vegetation. Despite these challenges, the park remains a beloved destination, drawing approximately 20,000 visitors each month, including around 500 daily walkers. With the impending upgrades, the park is set to become an even more vibrant and inviting destination, offering an immersive experience in nature and recreation.
The CMDA’s focus on creating green spaces is in line with broader city goals aimed at tackling climate change and enhancing urban sustainability. As Chennai continues to grow rapidly, the need for eco-friendly infrastructure has never been more pressing. In this context, the Eco Park project serves as a model for how urban parks can contribute to reducing carbon footprints, mitigating heat island effects, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. With this ₹10 crore investment, the CMDA is taking significant steps towards making Chennai not just a more livable city, but one that embraces sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. If successful, this project could serve as a blueprint for future urban development projects across India, showing how cities can repurpose existing spaces to meet the demands of a changing environment while preserving their cultural and recreational value.
As the project progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the environmental and social impact of the renovations, ensuring that the upgrades remain in line with Chennai’s broader goals of creating a zero-carbon, equitable, and gender-neutral urban environment. The transformation of Chetpet Eco Park could very well mark a turning point in how the city approaches sustainable urban development in the years to come.
