The maiden riverfront project for Trichy city proposed on the southern bank of Cauvery river passing along Odathurai Road has been approved by the municipal administration department. A detailed project report (DPR) completed by the city corporation has estimated the cost of the project at Rs. 14 crore. Apart from creating an open space for recreational amenities, the project will also indirectly prevent pollution in the river. The Cauvery river flows for a length of 16km. within Trichy corporation limits, including both northern and southern banks. On some banks including Odathurai, the local body has identified littering activity prevalent among residents and the floating population.
As the Cauvery river holds both cultural and economic importance, a master plan prepared for Trichy with projections for 2041 had suggested riverfront development for the city to tackle pollution and other non-conforming activities.
Taking the cue from the report, Trichy corporation identified a 250-metre-long stretch on the southern bank of the river between Thillainayagam bathing ghat on Odathurai road and the railway bridge across the river. About 60,000 square feet of unutilised area on the river bank will be put to use for the project.
The DPR has adopted the ‘city of elements’ plan by American urban planner Kevin Lynch for the project. Accordingly, seven components included are amphitheatre, kids’ play area, bathing ghat, riverside terrace, planters with seatings, watch tower and sundial.
Fences will be installed throughout the banks abutting the riverfront area. “Width of the Cauvery river shall remain undisturbed. Rainwater accumulating in the open space will be discharged into the river,” a senior official of Trichy corporation said.
A 30-foot-tall watch tower with safety barriers is planned in the riverfront area for visitors to view the rajagopuram of Srirangam temple, Thiruvanaikoil temple and Rockfort hillock temple complex. A riverside walking track, public toilet and a meditation zone are among other proposals planned in the riverfront space.
The corporation said that the proposed facility will benefit the densely populated Melachinthamani and Devathanam areas like the Uyyakondan canal front development in Cantonment. With the study completed, the municipal administration department will choose a relevant scheme to fund the riverfront proposal after technical scrutiny.
Schemes under Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) are also considered for obtaining funds. Making the project more environment-friendly, Trichy corporation has also drafted a plan to install a sewage treatment plant (STP) near the riverfront to re-treat wastewater discharged from residential and commercial areas in ward 15 into the river.
Source:https://shorturl.at/cJk9J
