Chennai: Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu is presenting the final comprehensive Budget of the DMK government ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for next year. 

The Tamil Nadu Budget for 2025-26 has allocated Rs 88 crore for the development of 'sponge parks' in Chennai, a move aimed at enhancing the city’s resilience to flooding and waterlogging.

These parks are designed to absorb excess rainwater and reduce urban flooding, using natural water management techniques such as permeable surfaces, wetlands, and rain gardens. The initiative aligns with the state's broader efforts to address climate change impacts and improve urban infrastructure, especially in flood-prone areas of Chennai.

Two days ago, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has inaugurated Chennai’s first wetland sponge park in an OSR land off Mount Poonamallee High Road, Porur.

What are sponge parks?

A sponge park is a park that absorbs and filters water to reduce flooding and improve groundwater. Sponge parks are designed to act like a giant sponge. 

How such a park works?

  • At the center of the park, a tank with multiple layers of filters, including gravel, sand, and biofilters, will be set up.
  • The park will feature an artificial wetland structure with no concrete flooring, but instead use water infiltration blocks.
  • Surrounding the central tank, several pond zones will be created to store water.
  • A rain garden, planted with native tree species, will be established around the pond zones, with a top layer of sand and compost to facilitate faster water infiltration and percolation.
  • During dry months, the area can be used as a park or recreational space