Stalin lays foundation stone for Rs 115 crore worth projects in north Chennai

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday laid the foundation stone for Rs 115.58 crore worth of projects, including an ornamental fish trading centre and the strengthening of Puzhal, Retteri and Kolathur lake bunds under the North Chennai Development Project.

The Kolathur ornamental fish trading centre will be developed at a cost of Rs 53.50 crore and spread across 3.93 acres with a built-up area of 1,25,402 sq ft, consisting of 188 shops on two floors.

A community hall measuring 41,593 sq ft spread across two floors would be developed at Rs 14.31 crore.

A modern laundry facility measuring 45,198 sq ft and consisting of 60 rooms was also among the projects for which the foundation stone was laid by the Chief Minister Monday.

In Puzhal Lake, a walking path, an elevated walking path with a natural view, Miyawaki forest, a children's exhibition, a natural pond, and modern drinking water facilities would be developed in an area spread across 8.17 acres at a cost of Rs 16.96 crore.

In Retteri, development works consisting of an entrance hall, bridge, nature park, walking path, gym, children's play area and parking facilities would be developed at Rs 13.12 crore. Similar works would be undertaken at Rs 6.26 crore on Kolathur lake bund.

Rs 5.22-crore projects inaugurated

Chief Minister Stalin also inaugurated Rs 5.22 crore worth finished projects in north Chennai, which included the assistant commissioner office of the state food and consumer protection department in Kolathur and new Tahsildar office and a modern laundry facility and three ration shops there.

Launched at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore to ensure equitable growth in the neglected parts of Chennai, the North Chennai Development Project seeks to address deficiencies in infrastructure and growth parameters in the area in the next three years.

Among the projects taken up under the comprehensive project announced in the 2023-24 Budget are the development of model schools, affordable housing, skill development centre, new bus terminuses, upgrade of workshops, setting up EB sub stations in major places, and CCTV surveillance to optimise safety in important places in north Chennai.