Minister for Textiles and Handlooms R. Gandhi discusses ecopark projects with Collector JU Chandrakala and Divisional Engineer State Highways (Ranipet) S. Selvakumar. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Public Works Department (PWD) on Tuesday started setting up eco-parks at three identified locations near key junctions in Ranipet town.
PWD officials said the new parks were designed for two purposes. The new facility will provide much-needed leisure space for children and the elderly, offering amenities specifically designed for these segments of society.
The parks will also provide an aesthetic view for travelers entering Ranipet city. “The new parks are planned at key junctions that act as entry and exit points in the district. The eco-parks will act as green lungs in the area. The entire work will be completed by February,” S. Tripura Sundari, Executive Engineer (EE), PWD (Ranipet), told The Hindu.
Minister for Textiles and Handlooms R. Gandhi laid the foundation for the new eco-parks. District Collector JU Chandrakala and S. Selvakumar, Divisional Engineer (DE), State Highways (Ranipet) were also present. “The new eco-park is a welcome measure. In addition to civic amenities, the new building should also have security features such as CCTV cameras and security guards to ensure the safety of visitors, especially women and children,” said resident B. Vanita.
As per the plan, junctions at the junction of KH Road, VC Mottur Road and the new ROB that connects Navalpur and Karai villages near Ranipet town have been earmarked for the new eco-parks. The eco-parks are the first of their kind to be set up at a cost of ₹ 4.75 crore. Additional funds will be provided from Ranipet MLA Mr. Gandhi’s local area development fund to expand the initiative to other key towns such as Arakkonam and Sholingur.
Each ecopark will average at least one acre. It will have a children’s play area, a paved walking path, retail areas for the sale of refreshments and drinks for visitors and a dedicated parking lot. Seating arrangements and washrooms will be provided. The entire building will be fenced with CCTV cameras and tall mast lamps. Seedlings of indigenous fruit and shade trees such as guava, sea tree, izhupai tree, mango and gooseberry will be planted. An upper reservoir will be built to regularly water the saplings.
Since the identified sites are within its limits, the State Highways has provided its land free of charge for the establishment of new eco-parks. Once completed, the new eco-parks will be maintained by the Ranipet municipality or as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
Published – 12 Nov 2025 05:30 IST
