Vidya Stalin , executive engineer of Greater Chennai Corporation who oversaw the final leg of the ‘renovation’ of Nageswara Rao Park has said that the renovation includes 1,600 metres length of walk paths, providing walking routes throughout the park and that the park now has 52,000 sq. ft. of greenery, including 4,800 sq. ft. of Mexican lawns.
She said in a official note that the renovation works have been undertaken at a cost of ₹8.49 crore.
The landscaping incorporates 28 plant varieties, including flowering plants, ornamental shrubs, palms and bamboo. These include rain lilies, Singapore daisies, lantana, Purple heart, Hamelia, spider lilies, red, white and pink Ixora, Allamanda, hibiscus, Duranta, Shenbagam, royal palms, lady palms and golden and variegated bamboo – the note said.
Recreational facilities include a 7,532 sq. ft. children’s play area and a 3,228 sq. ft. shuttle badminton court, providing dedicated spaces for children’s recreation and physical activity.
Two fountains further enhance the park’s visual appeal and create a pleasant setting for visitors, the note added.
To address water stagnation, 195 metres of storm water drain have been provided exclusively to collect and convey rainwater from within the park premises and prevent inundation. A 1,076 sq. ft. swale area also supports rainwater management within the park, said the note from the GCC engineer.
How to.destroy a green park and make it grey…carefully crafter laens and shrubs and invasive plants are no replacement for the sylvian splendour and oxygen trees provide
Seen many renovations. Park requires walk path and native plant varieties which ward off mosquitoes growth. Beautification should not be distraction. On otherwords no show piece required but space for common man to spend mornings and evenings with family friends to walk and breathe fresh air away from hustle of flat style cubicle living. Very important is ban on plastics and eats which destroys nature and invite rodents. Providing safe drinking water and paid toilet corner would help the common man.
All that the park needed was mending of the floor – relaying the pavements- and planting of replacements for fallen trees. Could have been done with just a few lakhs of rupees. And the park was shut down for one year.
Previously the park had about 25+ benches all around. Will they bring them back?
My worst fear is they may impose entry fee for visitors. What was free earlier will now come with a hefty price over and above the heavily hiked property tax and water tax
So, basically nothing native. Foreign plants and foreign lawn. And they actually planted lantana, one of the most invasive species destroying native vegetation in our forests?
Lantana is a invasive plant species which destroys all the native vegetation. Don’t know how they missed it. It should be removed immediately if planted