Two years on, T Nagar to go smart

After a hiatus of almost two years, the Chennai Smart City project will gain momentum this year, as the Greater Chennai Corporation has turned its focus on implementation. D Karthikeyan, Commissioner, Greater Chennai Chennai (GCC), said, “The Corporation’s focus this year will be on implementation of Smart City projects.” 

Accordingly, 23 interior roads will be redesigned at a cost of Rs. 15 crore. A senior Corporation official said that all these roads will be adopting the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) policy. 

“The footpaths will be widened and bollards will be placed to prevent encroachment. We are already in the process of replacing sodium vapour lamps with LED streetlights, at a cost of Rs 3.43 crores. If there is a temple in one of the streets, the hawkers around the area will get a dedicated space with special design to blend with the overall structure. 

Smart City initiative requires the collaboration between various departments. A comprehensive GIS mapping will be done in the ABD area for this purpose,” said the official.  

The city parks will go ‘smart’ in terms of design. “For example, the design will ensure that water will be collected in designated spots to recharge the groundwater levels. The focus will be on having 70-80% of greenery – lawns, shrubs and trees. A walking path for senior citizens and children’s play area are also planned. The estimates have been prepared and the tender will be put out shortly,” added the senior official. 

A spin-off of the NMT policy, the proposed Pedestrian Plaza concept at Thyagaraya Road underwent two trial runs last year. 

“The Thyagaraya Road will see restrictions of cars. The multi-level car park, once constructed, can accommodate 230 cars and 600 two-wheelers. The study has been completed and design finalised. The tender would be called for, soon,” added the official, citing objection from various stakeholders and other factors such as the high population and traffic conditions in this area as a reason for the delay in the project. Another official involved in the project said that smartness is not just IT application but also about becoming inclusive and environmentally sustainable. 

“Every aspect is interconnected. In the parks, groundwater is being used now. But a smart design will use recycled sewage water for the plants,” added the source. 

Taher Zoyab, an urban designer, said that people should also be sensitised towards the idea of better streets. “Practices across the world is required for those in the realm of urban design. It is great to see that the Corporation has opened its doors to the idea of better streets,” said the expert. 

Residents, however, say that it would be helpful if they were consulted before implementation of projects. VS Jayaraman, member, T Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, said, “On what basis are these streets chosen for redevelopment? The Corporation should convene a meeting with residents and involve them in the process.