Madras High Court judge to inspect three parks in Chennai city on June 26
Justice M. Dhandapani of the Madras High Court who had been nudging the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to improve
Justice M. Dhandapani of the Madras High Court who had been nudging the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to improve the green cover in the city, since 2022, has decided to pay a visit to the Thiru.Vi.Ka. Park in Shenoy Nagar, Nehru Park in Egmore and Panagal Park in T. Nagar. The judge would be visiting the parks on Friday (June 26, 2026) along with amicus curiae Chevanan Mohan, GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran and CMRL officials. The decision was taken after perusing a status report filed by Mr. Sameeran detailing the steps proposed to be taken by the civic body to beautify all threee parks.
The GCC Commissioner, who is also the chairman of the Chennai District Green Committee, said, the contract for redevelopment of Pulla Avenue (from Poonamallee High Road junction to Kilpauk Garden Road junction), under the World Bank Chennai City Partnership Project, had been handed over to a private contractor. A work order for a sum of ₹52.68 crore was issued on December 3, 2025 for completing the project within 18 months and the work had commenced from June 17, 2026. Under the project, Pulla Avenue would be developed as one of the pedestrian priority destinations in the city and for promoting non motorized transport. The entire stretch of the road for a length of 1600 metres would be turned into a vibrant public space with landscaping, seating areas, wide footpaths, artistic lighting and signages.
“Entry nodes will be pedestrian friendly with improved geometry, safe crossings, ramps and pick up/drop off bays,” the status report read. The court was also told that well planned underground utilities would be established so that no road cutting would be required on Pulla Avenue, where the Thiru.Vi.Ka. Park was located, for the next 30 years. The Commissioner also said, hundreds of additional saplings had been planted at the Nehru Park recently and that several civil works including formation of a lawn at the entrance gate, establishment of open gymnasiums for both men and women, fencing of the kids play area had been carried out. In so far as Panagal Park was concerned, the report stated that restoration activities at the park would commence immediately after CMRL completes its ongoing civil works.
“In this regard, a comprehensive green cover restoration plan is being prepared for the park with a focus on ecologcial rejuvenation and landscape enhancement,” it read. Sameeran said, there was a proposal to install digital air quality display boards at all three parks and that the works would begin after obtaining approval.
The BriefWire