Uyyakondan project: how beautiful will the canal be?

With Tiruchi Corporation issuing work order, a portion of Uyyakondan Canal running in the city is all set to get a facelift.

A sum of ₹17.6 crore has been sanctioned for executing the Uyyakondan River Development Project.

N. Ravichandran, Commissioner-cum-Special Officer, Tiruchi Corporation, told The Hindu that the project, which was to be implemented under the Smart City plan, was not only aimed at improving the beauty of the canal but also creating amenities for the people and children to have fun. About 2.8-km stretch along Uyyakondan Canal from Kuzhumayi Amman temple to MGR statue had been chosen for the riverfront development project.

Besides laying of a new road, the river bund between the road and the canal would have provision for jogging and walking. Walkways and green space would be provided by improving retaining wall.

Mr. Ravichandran said the stretch had been divided into four pockets. While two pockets would have children’s parks, one would have an open gym. It had been decided to create colour fountain in the fourth pocket. A paver block road with footpath was among the plan.

Similarly, bio-fencing would be formed to prevent people throwing litter in the canal. Bio-fencing would also add value to the development plan. In addition to it, an open stage with amphitheatre would also be constructed on the left bank of the canal to conduct art and cultural shows. It would have a capacity to accommodate about 200 persons.

The Commissioner said construction of an electronic toilet (e-toilet) was an important component of the riverfront development. It was a convergence of electronics, mechanical, web-mobile technologies thereby controlling entry, usage, cleaning and exit. It would act as a model in public health, hygiene and sanitation. It would be user-friendly.

He said that inside park lighting would be an added attraction. As many as 300 solar lights would be provided in the park area. Arrangements had been made to provide road side lighting for 2.8 km. The works would commence within a few days.

The contractor had been asked to complete the project within two years. The canal was controlled by the Public Works Department. It had given nod to carry out development works.

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