Speaking to reporters after inspecting the site, Stalin said, “In another stretch of land given to Chennai Corporation along Cooum River at Langs Garden last December, the civic body is developing a park with several other amenities and the proposed park near Sivananda Salai would be another such green park close to the new Secretariat.” He also said that the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT)and Singapore Cooperation’s Enterprise will ink the crucial MoU this month.

The Singaporean firm would act as a consultant and be involved in preparation and evaluation of a comprehensive conceptual master plan for the restoration of Cooum, besides providing technical assistance and monitoring the execution of the project, he added. Stalin also said that the auto spare parts shops located along the Cooum River in Chindadripet and Pudupet would be relocated to suburban Maraimalai Nagar as part of the mega restoration project.

It may be noted that about 1500 such shops at Chindadripet and Pudupet are facing uncertain future in the wake of speedy implementation of the much-awaited project.

Replying to a question on prevailing mosquito menace in city, Stalin said, “More than 1200 Corporation workers are engaged to tackle the menace and fogging and spraying operations have been increased manifold.”