TN government opens bids for Kadambur biodiversity park

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has invited bids for the development of the Kadambur Biodiversity Conservation Park in Chengalpattu, a major ecological restoration initiative to be implemented under the World Bank aided Tamil Nadu Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy (TN-SHORE) project.

Spread across 137.65 hectares, the project aims to transform degraded land into a biodiversity rich landscape integrating conservation, education, and nature based tourism.

The project focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems, rejuvenating the Kadambur eri (lake) and associated wetlands, and recreating the five classical Tamil Sangam landscapes Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai. It also proposes thematic gardens, a cloud-forest conservatory, herbarium, seed banks, cultural villages, cycling tracks, viewing decks, and eco-friendly visitor infrastructure.

Implementation will be carried out in two phases. The pre-construction phase includes surveys, soil testing, statutory clearances, and removal of invasive species such as Prosopis Juliflora. The construction phase will involve desilting and strengthening of the Kadambur eri, rainwater harvesting earthworks, wetland restoration, landscape development, and construction of facilities like the ‘Megam Katu Conservatory’.

A detailed Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been integrated into the project to mitigate environmental and social risks. Measures include soil and water conservation, dust and noise control, biodiversity protection through no-go zones near sensitive habitats, safe relocation of wild animals, local employment generation, a grievance redressal mechanism, and safeguards against gender-based violence.

The State Forest Department, Chengalpattu Division, will execute the project, with overall monitoring by the TN-SHORE State Project Management Unit and oversight from the World Bank. The ESMP budget in the tender process is Rs 32.70 lakh, with an additional Rs 12 lakh allocated for monitoring.

The project is expected to significantly enhance regional biodiversity and climate resilience while promoting sustainable eco-tourism.