Gritty to green: Anna Nagar Tower Park to get a 12cr facelift | Chennai News – The Times of India
Chennai: The poorly maintained Anna Nagar Tower Park may soon turn regain its charm, as the Greater Chennai Corporation has planned to renovate it at 12 crore. GCC will soon float tenders to hire a contractor.
The 15-acre park, a landmark in the city, has about 450 trees; the corporation plans to increase their number to 600 by planting saplings on the side of the park’s back entrance. Other renovations include new fountains at the entrance, one surrounding the tower, and one near the back gate.
GCC will demolish about 40m of pathways and redesign the walking area with more benches. The 12-storey tower, which is 133 feet high and 60 years old, will be repainted with a brighter colour and illuminated with LED. On a few floors, anti-skid tiles will be added.
With more than 10,000 visitors during weekends, the park is a major attraction for Chennaiites, but it has slid into a state of disrepair. “We got a large number of complaints from residents to replace the fountains and keep the pond clean. The restoration will include pruning of plants, adding more greenery, and replacing play equipment,” said GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran.
GCC also plans to spruce up the amphitheatre and add 50 seats. The conditions for the upcoming contractor are to ensure at least 12 security guards, three gardeners, and one technician for the fountain.
The pond, with ducks, must also be rid of plastic and other waste. The contractor can fine residents who throw waste in it.
One of the two toilet blocks in the park, built under the Swachh Bharat Scheme, is closed for public use due to poor upkeep and lack of water supply. This will also be renovated. The surroundings of the park, particularly Sixth Avenue, Fifth Street, and Ayyappan Kovil Street, get clogged with vehicles due to haphazardly parked cars, leaving no space for pedestrians.
V Sandhya, a resident of Anna Nagar, said GCC should earmark at least an acre within the park for a multi-level parking facility similar to the one at Chetpet Eco Park. “The crowds are big during weekends as people from across the city come here. GCC must also revive the defunct smart city parking lot on Anna Nagar 2nd Avenue, and stop cars from entering the roads connecting to the park,” she said.
GCC Commissioner said the civic body will soon hold a stakeholder meeting soon with RWA members and park users. “Their suggestions will be incorporated in the restoration process.”
The 15-acre park, a landmark in the city, has about 450 trees; the corporation plans to increase their number to 600 by planting saplings on the side of the park’s back entrance. Other renovations include new fountains at the entrance, one surrounding the tower, and one near the back gate.
GCC will demolish about 40m of pathways and redesign the walking area with more benches. The 12-storey tower, which is 133 feet high and 60 years old, will be repainted with a brighter colour and illuminated with LED. On a few floors, anti-skid tiles will be added.
With more than 10,000 visitors during weekends, the park is a major attraction for Chennaiites, but it has slid into a state of disrepair. “We got a large number of complaints from residents to replace the fountains and keep the pond clean. The restoration will include pruning of plants, adding more greenery, and replacing play equipment,” said GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran.
GCC also plans to spruce up the amphitheatre and add 50 seats. The conditions for the upcoming contractor are to ensure at least 12 security guards, three gardeners, and one technician for the fountain.
The pond, with ducks, must also be rid of plastic and other waste. The contractor can fine residents who throw waste in it.
One of the two toilet blocks in the park, built under the Swachh Bharat Scheme, is closed for public use due to poor upkeep and lack of water supply. This will also be renovated. The surroundings of the park, particularly Sixth Avenue, Fifth Street, and Ayyappan Kovil Street, get clogged with vehicles due to haphazardly parked cars, leaving no space for pedestrians.
V Sandhya, a resident of Anna Nagar, said GCC should earmark at least an acre within the park for a multi-level parking facility similar to the one at Chetpet Eco Park. “The crowds are big during weekends as people from across the city come here. GCC must also revive the defunct smart city parking lot on Anna Nagar 2nd Avenue, and stop cars from entering the roads connecting to the park,” she said.
GCC Commissioner said the civic body will soon hold a stakeholder meeting soon with RWA members and park users. “Their suggestions will be incorporated in the restoration process.”
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