GCC plans new parks at 15 locations across the city

Chennai, Aug 10:

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has initiated plans to develop new parks at 15 locations across the city, aiming to improve access to green and recreational spaces, especially in recently added areas.

Chennai currently has around 993 parks under the Corporation’s administration, providing residents with spaces for leisure, walking and community activities. With the city expanding and new residential zones emerging, the civic body is focusing on creating additional parks to meet the growing demand.

Officials said the proposal aligns with the State government’s financial statement, which included plans for developing new parks in urban areas. The Corporation is prioritising locations in zones that were incorporated into the city limits in recent years, where access to public parks remains limited.

Each proposed park is expected to have a minimum area of 50 cents. As part of the process, government-owned land is being identified for the project. So far, four suitable locations have been shortlisted, while efforts are ongoing to finalise the remaining sites.

The Corporation also oversees the maintenance of existing parks. Earlier, maintenance work was handled by private agencies, but following complaints regarding irregular wage payments to workers, the GCC has taken over direct responsibility for paying contract workers. This move is expected to ensure better transparency and management.

Officials noted that during a previous phase, steps were taken to establish 11 parks at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore, and work on those projects is still in progress. The new proposal is seen as an extension of ongoing efforts to enhance urban infrastructure.

With rapid urbanisation and increasing population density, the addition of new parks is expected to significantly improve the quality of life in Chennai. The initiative will provide residents with more green spaces, promote healthier lifestyles, and create better community environments.

The Chennai Corporation’s plan to establish parks at 15 locations reflects its broader commitment to strengthening civic amenities and ensuring balanced urban development across the city.