Sun Mar 16 17:02:41 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Residents Demand Action on Climate Resilience After Budget Announcement

**Chennai, March 16, 2025** – Following the Tamil Nadu government’s budget announcement of seven climate-resilient sponge parks for Chennai, residents are demanding immediate action to address the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather and rising sea levels. The ₹88 crore project has spurred calls for proactive measures, particularly in flood-prone areas along the Outer Ring Road.

Concerns have been raised regarding the insufficient availability of suitable land for these projects within the Chennai Corporation limits. While the city’s first wetland sponge park was recently inaugurated in Porur, residents highlight the need for similar initiatives across the city, citing the successful eco-restoration of the Adyar Creek as a model. The creek’s biodiversity has significantly increased following cleanup efforts, showcasing the positive impact of such projects.

However, not all proposed projects are met with approval. Residents are vehemently opposing a planned eco-park on the Perungudi dump, demanding complete garbage removal and marsh restoration instead. Similar concerns are echoed regarding the Pallikaranai marsh, where significant encroachment necessitates compliance with a National Green Tribunal order for removal of illegal structures. Residents emphasize the marsh’s crucial role in protecting the city from disasters, citing its protective effect during the tsunami.

The issue of land acquisition for sponge parks is also prominent. Several councillors have suggested reclaiming land illegally occupied by individuals to create these vital green spaces. The call for the Pallikaranai marsh to be handed over to the Forest Department underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to safeguard the city’s environmental integrity and improve its resilience to climate change. The lack of clear responses from the Chennai Corporation to residents’ queries under the Right to Information Act further fuels concerns about the pace and transparency of the planned initiatives.

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