North Chennai to Get New Water Sports Hub with Kayaking and Rowing
Residents of North Chennai will soon have a brand-new recreational destination, complete with access to exciting water sports. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is actively developing a 22-acre waterbody located near Ernavoor, with plans to introduce niche water sports activities to the area.
Project Details and Approval Status
The Annai Sivagami Nagar pond, which falls under railway property, is the site for this ambitious project. While the civic body has secured in-principle approval to utilize the waterbody through a revenue-sharing arrangement, the formal agreement is still pending finalization.
Katta Ravi Teja, regional deputy commissioner (North) of GCC, explained the vision behind the initiative. "Following the success of boating in Madhavaram and Manali lakes, we aimed to bring a similar concept to Ennore. However, we wanted to offer something more specialized. Therefore, we are planning to introduce kayaking and rowing. The project, slated for inauguration in February, is designed to expand the city's organized water-based sporting infrastructure," he stated.
Public Amenities and Community Benefits
The civic body intends to create comprehensive public amenities to enhance the visitor experience. These will include:
- A waiting hall for visitors
- Clean and accessible toilets
- Efficient ticketing facilities
Additionally, plans are underway for a walking track and a food court to cater to families and fitness enthusiasts. A GCC official highlighted the broader community impact, noting, "We are also considering providing coaching for water sports. This initiative will greatly benefit youngsters in the locality, offering them opportunities to train and excel in these activities."
Community Response and Expectations
Local advocates have welcomed the development as a much-needed facility for the region. A V S Marimuthu, co-convenor of the North Chennai People Rights Federation, emphasized its importance, saying, "Activities such as rowing and kayaking are typically inaccessible to middle- and low-income groups. If the corporation introduces these sports, many residents will benefit. It is crucial that the training fees remain nominal to ensure widespread participation."
Residents have also expressed their hopes for proper maintenance of the facility. Suresh Kumar, a resident of Ennore, remarked, "This is of utmost importance. North Chennai is developing rapidly, and we urgently need such green spaces to enhance our quality of life and provide recreational options for all."
The project represents a significant step forward in enhancing Chennai's recreational and sporting infrastructure, particularly in North Chennai, by making water sports more accessible and fostering community engagement through dedicated training and public amenities.
