Upgraded park with boating facility opens at Thangal eri in Kallikuppam

Chennai: Residents of Ambattur now have a new place to spend their evenings. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced boating in the renovated and restored Thangal eri park on Madhanakuppam Main Road in Kallikuppam.The project was carried out at a cost of 9 crore from Chennai Mega City Development Mission funds during the financial year 2019-2020. The project area covers 16 acres, of which the pond itself spans 11.7 acres.
The restored pond, falling under the Ambattur Zone, has a depth of 15 feet and a maximum capacity of 21.68 crore litres. Infrastructure built around the water body includes 3,582sqm of footpath, 8,853sqm of greenery, and 4,375sqm of open space and play area. Facilities such as a ladies' gym and yoga area, reading zone, benches, and toilets have also been built."We have introduced boating facility with two boat jetties, four pedalling boats, two motor rescue boats and 40 life jackets. Highmast lights, streetlights, inflow and outflow pipes, and a compound wall have also been provided to improve safety and accessibility. A boat house is going to be developed at an estimated cost of 60 lakh," said a GCC official.As of now the fares are—20 for children, 50 for adults. Speedboat rides cost 40 for kids and 70 for adults. Each ride will last 20 minutes. "We have handed over maintenance to a private contractor who also takes care of the Chetpet Eco Park. If their work is not satisfactory, we will hand it over to the state tourism department," added the official.Regional deputy commissioner (central) H R Koushik said based on the response from public, GCC will increase the number of activities at the park. "We are planning improvements in other ponds as well," he added.Residents of Ambattur welcomed the move. "We need more such recreational spaces. We need playgrounds and other infrastructure," S Suresh, president, United Welfare Associations, Ambattur.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !