Water bodies in the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) industrial parks will be rejuvenated to improve the groundwater table and increase green spaces.
What’s it about? 92 water bodies in 19 industrial parks will be developed for ₹100 crores. One million saplings will also be planted to enhance the region’s biodiversity, increase their water capacity, and recharge the groundwater. SIPCOT is integral to the city and state’s economy, with 56 IT companies employing nearly 25,000 people.
- The Navalur park will be open next January with walking and cycling tracks, restaurants, and a bird-watching centre. Water bodies in 18 other industrial parks covering more than 1,100 acres will be developed.
- Several water bodies have deteriorated over the years. They have a combined capacity of 6 million cubic metres. 5.6 lakh saplings have been planted in the open space reserve of SIPCOT industrial parks.
Who said what? One SIPCOT official said desilting would help increase the capacity by 10-15%. Hydrogeologist J Saravanan said local bodies should ensure the water bodies are well maintained. Industries secretary S Krishnan said the blue-green initiative for SIPCOT will help reduce the carbon footprint.