Chennai:The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has officially abandoned its controversial plan to convert the Perungudi dumping yard into an eco-park.
The decision, announced on November 28th,comes after significant public opposition and administrative hurdles.
The proposed Rs.185.42 crore project,unveiled in 2023, aimed to transform the site into a green space similar to the Tholkappia Poonga.
The design included features like ponds,watchtowers, and public facilities.However,a public hearing in February 2023 witnessed widespread disapproval from local residents and environmentalists.
Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Hurdles:
The Perungudi dumping yard is situated within the Pallikaranai marshland, a Ramsar site designated in 2022.
The Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority (TNSWA) had raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on the wetland ecosystem.
The Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TNUIFSL) was also involved in reviewing the proposal.
Shifting Focus to Sustainable Waste Management:
Despite the setback to the eco-park plan, the GCC remains committed to sustainable waste management practices.
The civic body has initiated biomining operations at the 225-acre site, successfully reclaiming 44 acres.These reclaimed lands are earmarked for the development of integrated waste management facilities, including a bio-compressed natural gas plant, a composting plant, and an automated material recovery facility.
The GCC also plans to biomine fresh waste at the Perungudi dump yard to further its efforts in sustainable waste management and energy generation.
