Chennai: It is safe to say that the Eco-park at Chetpet, Chennai, is one of the most happening spots in the neighbourhood.
Spread over 16 acres and maintained by the Fisheries Department, the park that was inaugurated by late former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in February 2016, continues to draw several hundreds of visitors over the weekends.
Harish Narayanan, a software engineer and a regular morning walker here, says, “I love to visit this place everyday. The food court that houses almost nine restaurants, offering varied cuisines from Kongu delicacies to Bombay Kulfi, is a major attraction.”
According to Chanchal Jain, who is a regular at the park, “The idea of beautification of the lake started way back in 2000, but took real shape much later when the government sanctioned a sum of Rs 42 crore for the project. Today, it is a preferred hangout space for many, who throng the premises all day.”
“An aquarium and a virtual reality theatre are the other features, that are going to be added shortly,” she adds. A security guard present here sharing details of the facility, states, “It opens at 6 am and shuts at 8.30 every night. Tuesdays are holidays.”
He noted that several neighbourhood residents had registered as regular walkers here. “I did not believe when I heard that such a park would exist in the heart of the city, until I saw it for myself. It provides for a refreshing change, amidst the bustling traffic on the roads. I hope the authorities maintain the premises in the coming days too.”