Regarding the Delay in Completion of the Adyar Eco Park Project in the Adyar Estuary Area of Chennai

 Date: 11-12-2019

 Dr. T. Sumathy (a) Thamizhachi Thangapandian (Chennai South):Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker, Sir, for having allowed me to raise an important issue related to my South Chennai Constituency. TholkappiaPoonga, or Adyar Eco Park, in the Adyar estuary area of Chennai, is the brainchild of my mercurial leader, Dr.Kalaignar. He has named that park after the legendary iconic forerunner, Tholkappiar. Dr.Kalaignar’s dream has been spearheaded by our Party Leader, Thalapathy M.K. Stalin. The project was envisioned to be completed in three phases, with the object of restoring the flora and fauna of that particular Adyar Creek estuary area, as well as preserving the fragile ecosystem, and also safeguarding the endangered migratory birds. These are the objectives.

But the present Tamil Nadu State Government has been very lethargic. The Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited and the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust have been entrusted with the task of developing this park. Phase I of the park has 1,36,500 plants for the Adyar Poonga. Environmental clearance for it was obtained from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in mid-January 2011.

The second phase has also been delayed by the State Government, even though funds have been allotted. To manage the Chennai River Restoration Trust and its activities, the government formed a special purpose vehicle in the name of Adyar Poonga.