There is no contract currently in place for maintaining these greeneries and it is done using CSR funds, says an official in the Bridges department .
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

The Greater Chennai Corporation plans to beautify spaces under several flyovers, including Doveton, Kalaivanar, Peters Road – Conronsmith Road, Rangarajapuram, and Vyasarpadi. However, existing green walls under flyovers like Murasoli Maran Bridge and Kotturpuram Bridge remain neglected, with both Bridges and Parks departments citing lack of funding.

“The flyover near Vani Mahal in T.Nagar and the one in Mowbrays Road, Alwarpet are seen with dried plants. Alongside debris and garbage illegally dumped, there is also haphazard parking below these bridges. People are aware of the regulation but flout it due to lack of stringent action by officials,” said Somasundaram R., a resident of Alwarpet.

B. Ilango, a landscape consultant, said that the concept of vertical gardens has been trending for a few years now, but maintenance has been tough even for private players. Citing dry plants under Kotturpuram Bridge and Adyar flyover, he suggested, “Only slanting sunlight is available for these plants. So, they need continuous care. For vertical gardens in Chennai’s heat, choose heat-resistant plants. If none are suitable, consider smaller bamboo shoots, areca palms, or lemongrass, as they help reduce vehicle-generated carbon monoxide. These options are also long-lasting and cost-efficient.”

An official in the Bridges department said there was no contract currently in place for maintaining these greeneries and it was being done using CSR funds. The contractors partnered for maintenance was only for three months since the vertical gardens were installed. “There have been no funds from Corporates lately, so maintenance has taken a hit. Officials have informed zonal authorities and the Parks department, but the installations were neither removed nor were the plants replaced,” he said.

He added the new projects in other flyovers were implemented by Special Projects department to improve pedestrian pathways and reduce debris dumping under flyovers

Beautification plans

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has launched a project to beautify the spaces under five flyovers —Doveton, Kalaivanar, Peters Road Conronsmith Road, Rangarajapuram, and Vyasarpadi.

The project, includes landscaping, CCTV surveillance and improved solar-powered lighting. Features include pathways, ornamental plants, benches, and possible play areas or open gyms, Parks department official said.

The project budget for the Kalaivanar flyover is ₹3.74 crore, the Doveton flyover is ₹3.25 crore, and the Rangarajapuram ROB ₹2.53 crore. The GCC expects to complete these projects within a year.

The project involves the construction of green beds of dimensions ranging from 1.5 metres to 3 metres in width depending on the space, an official stated. “Vertical gardens will utilise modular frames and automated irrigation systems. Concrete pathways of 2-3 metres in width will be constructed for pedestrian access. Drainage systems will be implemented to prevent waterlogging,” according to a GCC official.