Vertical garden in T Nagar to cost Rs 4L more after GST rollout

“Initially, an estimation of Rs 32 lakh was prepared that includes setting up of bore well, storage tank, water supply arrangements, electricity and others. Supervision charges, 12 per cent GST and lightings were not included earlier. Adding 12 per cent GST and other charges, the estimation has been revised,” an official said.

The new estimation would be sent to Chennai Smart City Limited for obtaining administrative sanction. “The new estimation is Rs 36.10 lakh. Total area available on the piers of the bridge is 3,760 sq ft. Approximate rate for creating the vertical garden is Rs 750 per sq ft,” the official said.

The vertical garden has been mooted under area-based development (ABD) under smart city mission. T Nagar area is selected under ABD, where the Chennai Corporation has undertaken works on pedestrian plaza, multilevel car parking and others. GN Chetty Road grade separator was built at the junction of GN Chetty Road and Thirumalai Pillai Road in 2009.

“The bridge has 11 spans and 20 piers. To avoid the delay and to execute the work simultaneously on both the sides, two separate tenders were called for the eastern and western side. Cost for the eastern side and western side is Rs 16.40 lakh and Rs 19.70 lakh respectively. The vertical garden is provided around the piers to beautify the grade separator and to prevent defacing of piers,” the official added.

The agencies creating the vertical garden must maintain it for three months. After that, the civic body would spend approximately Rs 30,000 per month to maintain the garden, which includes watering, pruning and applying manure.