Chennai, India — The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has approved a comprehensive plan to scientifically upgrade 200 public parks across the city with modern ecological and user-friendly features, officials said on Monday. The ₹60 crore initiative is aimed at enhancing the recreational appeal of neighbourhood green spaces while integrating elements that support biodiversity and visitor well-being.
Under the proposal, select parks will receive curated landscaping with diverse plant varieties, artificial bird-sound systems, improved walking tracks, and upgraded rest zones and seating to encourage greater public use. Officials also said developments could include child-friendly mini ponds designed to attract waterbirds, along with better lighting for safety during peak hours such as early mornings and evenings. Detailed planning is underway, and implementation is expected to be phased once administrative approvals are finalised.
The corporation maintains nearly 955 parks in the city, many of which were developed years ago and now require modernisation to meet growing recreational demands. While residents have welcomed the move to improve infrastructure, some civic activists have urged GCC to balance new features with ecological preservation, recommending the planting of fruit-bearing trees to attract wildlife rather than over-reliance on constructed elements.
Officials say the project will not only offer enjoyable public spaces but also reinforce environmental and health benefits for Chennai’s residents, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods, News as reported.
