Finally, the urban landscape near Cooum river will be harnessed as a tourist and cultural attraction.

The Chennai Corporation will start work on this and plunge in Rs. 100 crore for the project, said Mayor Saidai Duraisamy.

Speaking at the Corporation Council meeting on Thursday, Mr. Duraisamy said the surroundings of heritage buildings along the Cooum will get a better landscape. The civic body is likely to identify such heritage premises for the makeover.

“Work on the makeover of Cooum river will also offer employment opportunities to a number of people. The State government has allocated Rs. 1,705 crore for the project, and given administrative sanction for work to the tune of Rs. 100 crore of the Rs. 355 crore to be implemented by the Corporation,” said Mr. Duraisamy.

In the first phase, the Corporation will start removing solid waste dumped on the river banks at an estimated cost of Rs. 7.13 crore. The civic body will develop infrastructure for preventing solid waste pollution of the river at Rs. 100 crore. The work includes booms in the river to trap floating debris.

The civic body will develop parks and footpaths at Rs. 39.87 crore, and a fence along the river at Rs. 52.96 crore, said Mr. Duraisamy. “The work will be completed in three years,” he said.

“On successful implementation of the project in three years, residents will get landscaped greenery, fauna, better public health, education opportunities, livelihood, groundwater and clean environment,” said Mr. Duraisamy.

“Chennai will transform into an important tourist destination. Businesses will develop without affecting the environment,” said Mr. Duraisamy, stressing the need for creation of awareness among the residents on such projects.

Action will also be taken against industries polluting the river. Various agencies such as the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust, Chennai Corporation, Metrowater, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board and the Public Works Department are set to focus on the rehabilitation programme shortly.