
80% of Semmozhi Poonga works completed in Coimbatore
The botanical garden and related infrastructure have reached 83% progress, while the convention centre has also advanced to 83%. Pipelines carrying treated water from the Ukkadam Sewage Treatment Plant and the ground-level parking facility have been completed.
A dedicated bus shelter, designed to reflect key features of the park, is to be completed by mid-July.
Themed gardens
The park will feature 23 themed gardens, an experience centre, artificial waterfall, cafeteria, retail outlets, and a 500-seat open-air theatre. The convention centre is being built to seat 1,000 people and will house a conference hall, guest lounges, and related facilities. The parking area will accommodate 453 cars, 10 buses and 1,000 two-wheelers, with electric vehicle charging stations.
Other facilities include a 4,000 sq. ft. terrarium, a 42-metre-high Ferris wheel, and a one-kilometre zipline, which is planned to be installed post-inauguration.
Accessibility features include battery-operated vehicles, wheelchairs, and audio-enabled glasses for visually impaired visitors. Information boards with QR codes and barcodes will provide plant species details.
According to sources, Principal Secretary and CRRT Member Secretary Rajendra Ratnoo recently inspected the site. Following a review chaired by the Chief Secretary on October 26, 2024, the Corporation was directed to finalise the Business and Operational Plan before inauguration and place it before the council. The formation of the Semmozhi Poonga Management Committee has also been instructed.
Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the works are expected to be completed within 45 days.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
4 hours ago
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation's plan for 20 EV charging stations sees no progress
More than one year has passed since the Coimbatore Corporation announced a ₹20-crore initiative to establish 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city, but the project remains stalled. The only unit set up near VOC Park in June 2024 remains non-operational. Announced in April 2023, the project identified sites in R.S. Puram, Kalapatti, Valankulam, Avinashi Road, Gandhipuram Cross Cut Road, Tidel Park, Periyakulam, Thudiyalur, Saravanampatti, and near Brookefields. Tata Power was engaged to install and operate the stations, which were intended to offer round-the-clock fast-charging services with provisions for remote monitoring and digital payments. However, no further progress has been recorded at the remaining locations. 'Public charging infrastructure is rare in and around Coimbatore. Most users rely on home charging. Even where public facilities exist, fast-charging is essential for practical use,' said S. Ambika, an EV user. Barathan Kuppusamy, Chief Executive Officer of Ozotec Automobiles, said that range anxiety remains a significant barrier to adoption. 'Charging stations must be as widespread as fuel outlets. Much of the existing infrastructure is based on European specifications; instead, it should be designed to meet the custom needs of Indian cities. Implementation is further constrained by grid-related challenges such as high-tension line clearance, the need for dedicated feeders, and electricity board-associated costs.' Between January 2024 and July 2025, 6,076 electric two-wheelers and 994 electric cars were registered under the jurisdiction of the Coimbatore Central and West Regional Transport Offices. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the project did not take off due to administrative constraints. 'Several firms expressed interest. We have now shortlisted ten locations, including Semmozhi Poonga and D.B. Road parking. A fresh tender will be floated shortly. The Corporation will provide the land, and the selected bidder will handle the infrastructure and operations.'


The Hindu
5 hours ago
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation's foot overbridge proposal at Gandhipuram and Ukkadam awaits State government approval
The Coimbatore Corporation's plan to construct foot overbridges (FOBs) in Gandhipuram and Ukkadam is awaiting approval from the State government. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been submitted, with an estimated cost of ₹8 crore for each location. Owing to its proximity to Town, Central, and Thiruvalluvar bus termini, Gandhipuram Junction witnesses heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. In response, the Corporation has proposed three foot overbridges: one across Bharathiar Road linking the Thiruvalluvar and Town bus stands; another connecting the Town Bus Stand to Cross Cut Road; and a third across Dr. Nanjappa Road providing access to the Central Bus Stand. In Ukkadam, one bridge is planned between the bus stand and Smart City Lake, and another near the proposed second terminal of Ukkadam bus stand. A Corporation official said the DPR was submitted earlier this month, and the project, to be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, will feature staircases, escalators, lifts, and designated space for advertisements. 'We are awaiting administrative sanction from the State government. Work will begin once it is received,' the official said. K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, recalled that a subway had earlier been planned along the Gandhipuram flyover with budgetary allocation, but was dropped by the Highways Department. He welcomed the Corporation's move to build FOBs, but cautioned that permitting advertisements on them could pose a road safety risk by distracting drivers and increasing the likelihood of accidents.

The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
62 files disposed of at Corporation file adalats in Ulloor and Sreekaryam zones
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Monday initiated its series of file adalats across various ward centres to address files pending across the various wings of the civic body. A total of 62 files were disposed of in a file adalat held in Ulloor and Sreekaryam zones. The Corporation also took disciplinary action against three officials who had allegedly delayed action on files. First grade overseer was suspended on charges of delaying action on files as well as for staying away from the adalat. Department-level action was recommended against senior clerk and assistant engineer Geethu Prasanth for delaying action on various files. At the Ulloor zone, a total of 36 applications regarding pending files in various sections were received in advance. Out of this, 32 applications were disposed of. In addition, 12 applications were received during the adalat. Directions were issued to the officials concerned to take necessary action on these applications within seven days. At the Sreekaryam zone, 30 applications which were received in advance were disposed of, while appropriate action was recommended within seven days on 16 applications received during the adalat. On an application submitted by C.A. Lekshmidevi from Chempazhanthy ward regarding a delay in allocation of building number, the revenue inspector was directed to conduct a site inspection to certify the plan and allocate the number. application submitted in May this year for allocation of building number was cleared as the house was constructed in 2 cents of land. Occupancy certificate was cleared for considering the house was constructed under the LIFE housing project. In another case regarding occupancy certificate, an application submitted by Gokul Gopan was cleared provided he gave an affidavit that he would give up the required land unconditionally for road development in the future as per the master plan. Following an application submitted by from Mannanthala, it was decided to immediately take up the tarring of the Mannanthala-Oruvathilkonam-Chencherry Road utilising the Corporation's own funds. It was also decided to exempt a village library in Thuruvikkal from paying tax and arrears based on an application submitted by its secretary Mayor Arya Rajendran, Deputy Mayor P.K. Raju, standing committee chairpersons and other officials were present during the adalats. In the following days, adalats will be held in the other zones.