Chennai Cooum Riverfront Development: GCC to Plant 13,000 Saplings in ₹50 Lakh Project

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is preparing to launch a pilot project to improve greenery along a 1.7-km stretch of the Cooum Riverfront near Napier Bridge and Periyar Bridge. The project is estimated to cost ₹50 lakh and aims to enhance the riverfront`s appearance through tree and flower plantations.

The Corporation has floated tenders for the development work, which will cover two stretches near the Cooum River estuary. The initiative also includes a one-year maintenance period to ensure the newly planted saplings are maintained.

Cooum Riverfront Project: Two Stretches Identified

The proposed development will cover the following sections:

Napier Bridge to Periyar Bridge: A 1.2-km stretch along Sivanandha Salai.

Napier Bridge to the river mouth: A 0.5-km stretch.

According to a senior GCC official, more than 13,000 saplings will be planted as part of the pilot project. The work will also include compound wall repairs, painting and essential civil maintenance.

Flowering Plants to Improve Chennai`s Riverfront

The project will feature plant varieties such as Clerodendrum, hybrid shrubs and Nerium. Borewells, water supply arrangements, pumps and fencing will support plantation and maintenance activities.

The Corporation expects the stretch to develop into a greener and more attractive public space, with flowering plants enhancing both sides of Napier Bridge within six months.

The initiative is intended to improve the visual appeal of the riverfront for motorists, pedestrians and the general public.

Civil Works and Riverfront Improvements

The tender includes jungle clearance, earth excavation, cement concreting, plastering, brickwork and painting. Other works include coconut-thatched roofing, rig boring, enamel painting of grill gates and installation of booster pressure pumps and pressure compensators.

The existing vegetation and river bund near the left side of Napier Bridge along Sivanandha Salai may also be utilised to create a community space.

Chennai Corporation`s Greenery Initiative

The Cooum Riverfront pilot project is part of an effort to improve the appearance of public spaces along the river. With an estimated investment of ₹50 lakh and a planned plantation of more than 13,000 saplings, the initiative aims to create a greener environment along a prominent stretch of central Chennai.

The project`s progress and long-term impact will depend on plantation survival, regular maintenance and the effective upkeep of the riverfront area.