Kadambur Biodiversity Park Project: Tamil Nadu Invites Bids
The Tamil Nadu government has invited tenders for developing the Kadambur Biodiversity Conservation Park in Chengalpattu under the World Bank–assisted Tamil Nadu Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy (TN-SHORE) project.
Spread across 137.65 hectares, the project aims to restore degraded land into a biodiversity-rich landscape that blends conservation, environmental education, and nature-based tourism.
Key features include the rejuvenation of Kadambur eri (lake) and wetlands, recreation of the five classical Tamil Sangam landscapes Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai along with thematic gardens, a cloud-forest conservatory (Megam Katu Conservatory), herbarium, seed banks, cultural villages, cycling tracks, viewing decks, and eco-friendly visitor facilities.
The project will be implemented in two phases:
- Pre-construction phase: surveys, soil testing, statutory clearances, and removal of invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora.
- Construction phase: desilting and strengthening of Kadambur eri, rainwater harvesting works, wetland restoration, landscape development, and infrastructure creation.
A comprehensive Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been incorporated, covering soil and water conservation, dust and noise control, biodiversity protection through no-go zones, safe relocation of wildlife, local employment, grievance redressal mechanisms, and safeguards against gender-based violence.
The project will be executed by the State Forest Department, Chengalpattu Division, with monitoring by the TN-SHORE State Project Management Unit and oversight from the World Bank. The ESMP budget stands at ₹32.70 lakh, with an additional ₹12 lakh earmarked for monitoring.
Once completed, the park is expected to significantly boost regional biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable eco-tourism in Chengalpattu district.
