Chennai Green Corridor Project: ₹45 Crore Eco Park Along Buckingham Canal
Chennai is set to transform a neglected stretch of the Buckingham Canal into a vibrant urban green space, as the Greater Chennai Corporation has proposed a ₹45 crore eco-park project between Kasturba Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur.
The initiative aims to create a continuous green corridor that combines recreation, mobility, and environmental restoration. Once completed, the project will offer dedicated walking paths, cycling tracks, children’s play areas, and public seating spaces, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
A key highlight of the project is the development of dense Miyawaki forests along the canal banks. These fast-growing urban forests will help improve air quality, reduce heat levels, and enhance biodiversity in the city. Native tree species will be planted to restore the ecological balance of the area.
The Buckingham Canal, originally constructed during the British era, once served as a vital inland waterway connecting Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for trade and transportation. However, due to years of neglect, encroachments, and pollution, it has lost its significance and currently functions largely as a drainage channel in Chennai.
Through this redevelopment, authorities aim not only to beautify the canal but also to revive its environmental value. The project also includes modern stormwater management systems designed to reduce flooding in low-lying areas by improving natural drainage.
In addition, the green corridor is expected to promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging walking and cycling, while also improving connectivity near MRTS railway stations.
Overall, the Buckingham Canal green park project represents a major step toward sustainable urban development in Chennai. By turning an underutilized waterway into a thriving public space, the city is moving closer to creating a cleaner, greener, and more livable environment for its people.
