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Coimbatore, Nov 25 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday inaugurated the long-awaited Semozhi Poonga in the heart of Coimbatore, marking the completion of one of the city’s most ambitious urban green projects.
Developed by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, the 45-acre botanical park transforms the old Central Prison grounds at Gandhipuram into a major recreational and ecological destination. Built at a cost of Rs 208.5 crore, Semozhi Poonga has over two kilometers of walking tracks, 23 uniquely themed gardens and a digital plant information system that allows visitors to access species details through QR codes.
Officials said the project is in line with the city’s vision of promoting green tourism and providing world-class open spaces to residents. The park displays over 2,000 plant species, including extensive bonsai collections, indigenous flora and curated garden groups. State-of-the-art amenities include co-working spaces, an all-access gym, terrariums, rainwater harvesting systems, children’s activity areas and barrier-free pathways designed to ensure full accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The idea of Semozhi Poonga was first proposed by the then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi during the World Tamil Literature Conference held in Coimbatore in 2010. The project remained stalled for years until it was revived under the current government. Stalin laid the foundation stone in December 2023, re-invigorating the project as part of the administration’s focus on expanding urban green infrastructure across Tamil Nadu.
After unveiling the park’s identity plaque, the Chief Minister visited key installations, including the artistic depiction of Kadai Ezhu Vallagal, the seven great patrons of the Sangam era. He also interacted with industrialists, civic groups and local representatives at the 500-seat amphitheater within the complex, which is expected to serve as a cultural hub for public events and community events.
As part of his Coimbatore visit, Stalin also inaugurated a housing project for disabled persons at Orattukuppai in Chettipalayam panchayat. Developed over 3.98 acres with CSR support from GD Naidu Charities, the Rs 5.67 crore initiative comprises 86 compact houses of 319 sq ft each. Each unit comprises a hall, kitchen, bathroom, toilet and accessibility features such as ramps, sliding doors and handicapped-friendly fixtures. The keys were handed over to the beneficiaries during the programme.
Tuesday’s event marks the chief minister’s 16th official visit to Coimbatore since assuming office in 2021, underscoring the administration’s continued focus on infrastructure and civic development in western Tamil Nadu.
–IANS
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