RWAs to start urban greening on new land parcels identified by GCC in all zones

RWAs to launch urban greening in city zones using CSR funds, inviting over 500 associations for project.

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Residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) will start urban greening in all the 15 zones of the city on lands identified by the Corporation, utilising the funds mobilised under corporate social responsibility. Over 500 residents’ welfare associations are expected to launch the project.

Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran said the zonal officers will invite the residents’ associations in all the zones after identifying lands. The associations in various zones have already started receiving invitations.

Velachery resident S. Kumararaja, who has already developed a green cover along a 3-km stretch, said residents have requested railway land for urban greening. “The periphery of 50-acre Velachery lake also needs urban greening. We have several OSR lands. The HR and CE Department has 10 acres in our zone,” he said.

“This summer, residents have noticed moderate temperature along the dense forests developed along a 3-km stretch in 2021,” he said.

Geetha Ganesh, secretary- AGS Colony RWA, Velachery West, said: “Involving RWAs for urban greening with CSR funds is good, but they shouldn’t expect funds from RWAs and it shouldn’t become another Namakku Naame Thittam. Many RWAs burnt their fingers in NamakkuNaame Thittam.”

“GCC should be very clear in what they expect from this new initiative as many parks in GCC areas are under neglect. There is no regular maintenance or pruning of trees inside parks and along roads. Also, RWAs cannot be given land very far away from their area of residence. It should be only within a 3-km to 5-km radius,” she said.