Tamil Nadu Government Expands Public Access to Renovated Tholkappia Poonga
In a significant move to enhance public accessibility, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a substantial increase in daily walking passes for the newly-renovated Tholkappia Poonga in Chennai. Effective from February 1, the daily pass allocation will surge sixfold from 500 to 3,000, while pass fees have been reduced by half across all categories.
Response to Public Access Concerns
The decision comes just two days after a report highlighted restricted public access to the eco-park, revealing that all daily slots had been blocked until April 20. The municipal administration and water supply department acknowledged that the limited 500 daily slots, divided into morning and evening sessions, were being dominated by regular walkers, VIPs, and locals holding monthly and quarterly passes, effectively locking out city residents and tourists.
Revised Fee Structure and New Regulations
Under the revised fee structure announced on Thursday:
- Monthly passes now cost ₹250 instead of ₹500
- Three-month passes are reduced to ₹750 from ₹1,500
- Six-month passes drop to ₹1,250 from ₹2,500
- Annual passes are halved to ₹2,500 from ₹5,000
To prevent monopolization of slots, the government will implement a new system of walking identity cards in three colors. Cardholders in each category will be permitted to use the park only three times per week, ensuring fairer distribution of access opportunities.
Current Capacity and Visitor Management
The department clarified that morning and evening sessions, each with 250 slots, have already reached their prescribed capacity, making it impossible to accommodate new applicants in those time slots. However, afternoon slots designated for educational and corporate tours remain available for booking.
Entry to the eco-park continues to be strictly regulated to protect the fragile wetland ecology, following recommendations from a monitoring committee established under Madras High Court directions. Only 250 persons are permitted per session, with the total number of visitors inside the park capped at 300 at any given time. Crowd control is managed by Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT) staff.
Restoration Success and Biodiversity Growth
The CRRT restored the eco-park at a cost of ₹42.7 crore, reopening it on October 24 last year. Since then, the park has welcomed 6,843 students and 20,233 general visitors until January 22.
A recent biodiversity survey revealed remarkable ecological recovery, documenting 549 species of flora and fauna in the Adyar creek and estuary region. This represents a dramatic increase from just 141 species recorded in 2011 before restoration began, establishing Tholkappia Poonga as a crucial urban wetland habitat. The walking track has also been expanded from 1.95 kilometers to 3.20 kilometers following restoration work.
Park Timings and Accessibility
The park operates on the following schedule:
- Walkers: 6:30 AM–8:00 AM and 4:30 PM–6:00 PM daily
- Students (educational visits): 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Guided public tours: 2:30 PM–4:30 PM (except Thursdays and public holidays)
These changes represent a significant step toward balancing ecological conservation with public enjoyment of one of Chennai's most important urban green spaces.
