Adyar Eco Park Phase I - Tholkappia Poonga
Adyar Eco Park Phase I - Tholkappia Poonga
BACKGROUND
The Adyar Creek and the Estuary from the eastern part of Thiru. Vi. Ka. Bridge covers an area of about 358 acres. This unique eco system has supported a wide variety of flora and fauna which gradually degraded over the years. The Government ordered to restore the eco system and to develop an Eco park in 58acres (the Survey Nos.4309/1, 2 & 8 covering an extent of 1047 Grounds and 1256 Sq.ft) in Phase I restore the balance 300 acres in Phase II.
The Phase I of the programme, named Tholkappia Poonga, is a section of an inland waterway coming from the Adyar Estuary, curving its way along the Quibble Island up to the Greenways Road. A survey of historic plans shows that the area has functioned as a storm water outflow for the watershed around the Creek, mainly for Mandaveli. Storm water coming from the surrounding areas through storm water drains would fill the Creek and functioned as retention and infiltration pond and excess overflows to the estuary. Similarly the area served as a reservoir for tidal water in times of high tide levels. Of late, the Creek was used as a place of disposal of sewage and dumping of solid waste.
Since 1997, the Government of Tamil Nadu had been contemplating to protect the Creek and creation of an Eco Park to restore the ecological balance and raise public awareness on environmental issues. The Government appointed the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd., Chennai (TNUIFSL) to identify and engage necessary consultants for the preparation of a concept/master plan, detailed planning and implementation for the development of the Eco- Park. Consultant was appointed as consultants for developing a Master Plan. Several reputed specialist consultants worked on this project in the fields of water management, flora and fauna habitat mapping, wetland ecology, architecture and landscaping.
LOCATION
The creek begins near the Chetinnad Palace, extends northward into the mainland and takes a complete U-turn near the Foreshore Estate and ends near Mandavelipakkam. It surrounds what was formerly called Quibble Island.
The total area of the Adyar Poonga covers 58 acres and it is limited by
- Greenways road to the south
- Town Planning Scheme road on the northwest
- South Canal Bank road in the north east
- Santhome Causeway bridge to the east
ECO-RESTORATION OF ADYAR CREEK (58 ACRES) - ‘THOLKAPPIA POONGA’
The Government of Tamil Nadu had initiated a pioneering urban coastal wetland ecological restoration project for the Adyar Creek in an extent of 58 acres under Phase-I. The Government of Tamil Nadu had accorded administrative sanction of Rs.100 crore for the restoration of 358 acres of Adyar Creek area and also to restore the Adyar Estuary area located in the eastern side of Thiru.Vi.Ka. bridge.
The Adyar creek and estuary area was degraded due to infestation of Prosopis juliflora, indiscriminate disposal of sewage, solid waste and debris which subsequently resulted in shrinking of water spread area, reduced tidal interaction and decrease in biodiversity.
As Phase-I, the Eco-Restoration of Adyar creek (58 acres) commenced in 2008 and the major restoration activities undertaken were to increase the water spread and tidal interaction area, plantation of native vegetation such as Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest species, mangrove species, etc., and landscaping for interactive environmental programmes. All restoration activities were completed in 2011 and continuous maintenance is being carried out by CRRT.
RESTORATION ACTIVITIES
Excavation to increase Water Spread Area
As a first step to proceed with the eco-restoration, about 2.80 lakhs cu.m of accumulated sludge and debris in the water body have been excavated. After retaining some quantity of excavated soil for landscaping and plantation activities, the balance quantity has been taken out of Poonga.
Arresting of Sewage discharge from outfalls
There are seven storm water drain outfalls entering into the Poonga. Before the implementation of eco-restoration activities, these storm water drains were misused for sewage discharge. During restoration, the sewage is diverted into sewer pipeline with the assistance of Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Chennai Corporation to prevent the sewage inflow into the Poonga.
Land Development
A small portion of the earth excavated from the project area has been utilized to create mounds around the water body, which supports coastal vegetation such as intertidal plants like mangroves, mangrove associates, reeds and terrestrial plants. It also serves as niche for birds and other terrestrial animals of creek ecosystem. These mounds also serve as sound barriers against vehicular traffic and aid in realizing tranquillity in the project area.
Recreating Vegetation
The plantation at Adyar Poonga comprises of six vegetative elements such as trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, climbers and aquatic plants for planting in aquatic zone, core zone, peripheral zone, inland and littoral zone, along water margins and hedges, grass cover, specimen tree, rockery etc. About 1,10,161 plants belonging to 172 species are planted to provide a green cover and typical vegetation of the Coromandal coast surrounding the water bodies.
Faunal Diversity
The success of the restoration can be measured by species diversity, density and abundance of faunal elements in an area. In the restored Adyar creek and estuary (358 acres), a recent faunal survey reported around 424 species of animals such as molluscans, crabs, dragonflies, butterflies, fishes, amphibian, reptiles, birds and mammals. This figure stood at 141 before the restoration activity.
Centre for Environmental Education & Research
Tholkappia Poonga is now functioning as a Centre for environmental education and research. Regular environmental education programmes are being conducted to impart knowledge on environment to the community, primarily, for students. So far, 1,12,826 students and 6,070 teachers from 1,446 schools have visited the eco-park and have been sensitized on the significance of urban wetlands restoration. Moreover, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds have been received from Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) for conducting education programs for school students at Poonga.
General Public are allowed to visit the Tholkappia Poonga from Monday to Saturday (except Public Holidays). Thus far, a total of 32,973 persons have visited the Poonga. General Public are also allowed for walking inside the Poonga and so far, 24,528 individuals have visited. Tholkappia Poonga is now a standing example of urban wetland eco-restoration initiative of the Government.
Instructions for Guided Tour Booking
Do's
- Please maintain silence.
- Keep walking trails.
Don't
- Please don’t step into water.
- Please do not litter.
- Do not throw stones and floats into the water.
- Do not pluck leaves and flowers.
- Please avoid radio/musical instruments.
- Consuming liquor is prohibited.
- Don’t bring pets.
- Don’t feed animals.
- No smoking.
Instructions for Educational Institutions Visit Booking
Do's
- Please maintain silence.
- Keep walking trails.
Don't
- Please don’t step into water.
- Please do not litter.
- Do not throw stones and floats into the water.
- Do not pluck leaves and flowers.
- Please avoid radio/musical instruments.
- Consuming liquor is prohibited.
- Don’t bring pets.
- Don’t feed animals.
- No smoking.
Instructions for Walker Membership Booking
Do's
- Children below 18 years are not allowed.
- Entry only permitted on verification of Walker’s ID card.
- Advised to carry Walker’s ID card / E-mail Pass while walking.
- The Walker’s Pass is not transferable.
- Enter / Exit is permitted only through Main Gate.
- Vehicle Parking facility is limited to the extent of the Parking space available (Main Entrance).
- Walkers are not allowed beyond the time prescribed (6.30 am to 8.00 am and 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm).
- The Management will not take any responsibility for loss of personal belongings.
- Walker’s fee once paid will not be refunded.
- Permit is valid only for the period subscribed.
- Walkers should not disturb the natural harmony of the Poonga.
- Walkers are permitted only at the designated path / track.
- Pay attention while sitting on stone benches/seats.
- Pay attention while sitting on stone benches/seats.
Don't
- Permission is denied to carry pet animals inside Poonga.
- Feeding animals inside the Poonga is strictly prohibited.
- Littering inside the Poonga is prohibited.
- Don’t block the walker's track for other walkers.
- Don’t touch artifacts, sculptures, educational signage or stones etc.,
- Throwing stones, floats and stepping into water is strictly prohibited.
- Unlawful activity such as smoking, alcohol consumption inside Poonga would attract stringent action.
- Violation of the terms and conditions will attract cancellation of the Walker's Pass and no new card will be issued to the concerned individual.
