Chetpet Ecopark: Chennai's Urban Oasis

Chetpet Ecopark, inaugurated in 2016, is a 16-acre oasis in the heart of Chennai, built around the picturesque 9-acre Chetpet Lake. The park's history is rooted in the early 1900s when the area was initially a brick field and later evolved into a lake. For decades, the lake was under the care of the Department of Fisheries, eventually transforming into an eco-friendly park. The park offers a variety of activities, including boating, angling, and walking/jogging tracks. Visitors can enjoy a 30-minute boat ride on the lake or try their luck at catch-and-release fishing. The park also features a children's play area with slides and swings, making it a family-friendly destination. Other attractions include an aquarium, 5D show, and VR shows. Chetpet Ecopark is not only a recreational space but also an environmentally conscious project. The lake is the first water body to use recycled sewage water and rainwater from storm drains. The park also has its own sewage treatment plant. The park's green spaces and gardens provide a tranquil setting for visitors to connect with nature. The park is undergoing redevelopment to enhance recreational amenities while maintaining ecological balance. New additions include water sports facilities, musical fountains, and bird-viewing decks.