CHENNAI: A few months ago, Chennai Corporation rolled out the idea of beautifying city roads and flyovers by placing flower pots at centre medians. The civic body’s attempts received popular appreciation back then, but now, most of these plants have withered.
Even though it has been raining sporadically and the weather has not been as hot as compared to previous years, most of these plants have withered due to lack of watering and maintenance.
On Koyambedu flyover, TOI saw at least six pots with dried leaves and lean stem. The flowers planted in these stretch are bougainvillea, colloquially known as Kaadhiga Poo that bear pink flowers. Some of these dead plants have been plucked and are lying scattered on the median. The situation was no different at Guindy’s Kathipara flyover or Sardar Patel Road, where some of these plants have withered. The civic body executed this project under Namaku Naame Thittam project.
While the estimated project is unknown, the corporation had finalised the designs of pots after consulting various architects.
Civic activist Dayanand Krishnan said such projects could have been introduced as a pilot in small stretches and its feasibility must have been analysed in advance. “Going for a city-wide project and not being able to sustain it later is unacceptable and is a waste of tax payer’s money. At least they must do this for future projects,” said.
Deputy commissioner (works) MS Prasanth was not available for comments on being contacted.
