TN govt cancels MRC lease, plans to develop horticulture garden

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government announced to develop a public horticultural garden, eco-park, and other utilities on 118 acres of land reclaimed from the Madras Race Club (MRC) in Guindy, Chennai. Valued at Rs 4,832 crore, the land was taken back after the state government cancelled MRC’s 99-year lease, which started in 1945, citing the need for public use.

“The population of Chennai has been increasing. Therefore, setting up an eco-park in the heart of the city is necessary so that people can get fresh air, feel better, and improve their physical and mental health, as well as maintain the environment,” as per an official release.

According to the 2011 census, Chennai’s per capita green cover is only 1.03 sq m per inhabitant, significantly lower than other cities. With urbanization and rising population density, the park will promote public health and environmental preservation.

Also Read: Marigold cultivation faces challenges from plant diseases

The green cover of the city, including forests, parks, playgrounds, and open spaces, makes up only 6.7% of the total area. The overall percentage is low compared to other states.

Chennai’s green cover needs to be increased due to the city’s urbanization, increasing population, and density; it has become essential to create such parks and green spaces,” the release added.

This follows other green initiatives by the horticulture department, including the creation of the Kalaignar Centenary Park in Chennai and a park in Ooty, both developed on reclaimed land.