In a significant push towards sustainable urban development, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has allocated a major grant to reimagine one of Trichy's busiest commercial hubs. The board has sanctioned nearly ₹50 lakh (₹49.97 lakh) to the National Institute of Technology–Trichy (NIT-T) for a crucial task: preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to transform the historic Gandhi Market into a carbon-neutral and environmentally sustainable marketplace.
A Market in Need of Green Transformation
The funding decision addresses pressing environmental and civic challenges faced by the iconic market. Gandhi Market, sprawling across more than 500 stalls, is a daily destination for thousands of visitors. This immense activity comes at a cost, generating a staggering over 25 tonnes of biodegradable waste every single day. Furthermore, the area battles chronic congestion, narrow internal lanes, and heavy vehicular movement, which collectively contribute significantly to air and noise pollution.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the state's broader Climate Smart Markets Initiative, which seeks to overhaul traditional marketplaces through forward-thinking, climate-sensitive planning. By leveraging NIT-T's technical expertise, the TNPCB aims to create a model that balances commercial vibrancy with ecological responsibility.
The Eight-Pillar Blueprint for Sustainability
The detailed project report will be comprehensive, structured around an eight-pillar framework designed to address every aspect of the market's environmental impact. According to sources, the DPR will encompass:
- Spatial documentation and urban-level analysis to understand the current layout and usage.
- Solid waste management strategies to handle the massive daily waste output.
- Plans for water supply, sanitation, and stormwater management, including rainwater harvesting.
- Structural auditing of the existing buildings for safety and retrofit potential.
- Traffic management and transportation systems to decongest the area.
- Systems for continuous air and noise pollution monitoring.
- Energy management, which will study the feasibility of solar energy utilisation and include a full carbon footprint assessment.
From Report to Reality: A Model for Tamil Nadu
The TNPCB is currently in the process of finalising a memorandum of agreement with NIT-T to formalise the collaboration. A senior district board official indicated that the DPR is expected to be submitted in the coming months. Once ready, its recommendations will be implemented through the coordinated efforts of multiple government agencies, including the Trichy City Corporation.
The project will harness interdisciplinary expertise from various departments of NIT-T, including civil engineering, architecture, energy and environment, and electrical and electronics engineering. Officials envision the final report serving a dual purpose. It will not only act as a specific blueprint for revamping Gandhi Market but is also intended to become a replicable model for transforming traditional markets across Tamil Nadu into modern, climate-smart public spaces.
This investment marks a proactive step by the state pollution control authority, moving beyond regulation to active collaboration with academic institutions for on-ground, sustainable solutions. The success of this DPR could set a new standard for marketplaces throughout the region.
