Coimbatore Corporation expediting work on Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga construction at Gandhipuram prison 73% complete, featuring solar panels, sculptures, convention center, and themed gardens.

Work on the Semmozhi Poonga at the Gandhipuram central prison grounds in the city is 73 per cent complete, according to Coimbatore Corporation officials.

In the first phase, a total of 157.25 acres have been allocated for construction work, planned at an estimated cost of ₹161.05 crore, said an official. The works include the installation of solar panels and small sculptures and battery-operated vehicles at ₹93.44 crore, a convention centre at ₹25.56 crores, and ₹7.83 crore for transporting treated sewage from the Ukkadam Sewage Treatment Plant to the Semmozhi Park.

Additionally, ₹7.02 crore has been allocated for parking facilities for car and two wheelers, 19.40 crore for the construction of an underground water storage plant, storm water drain electricity and communication panels, and ₹7.80 crore for audio and video facilities at the convention centre. Designed to meet international standards, the park will feature 22 themed gardens and an organic food court.

Currently, progress of works stand at 65 per cent on the entry ticket counter building, 80 per cent on the open air auditorium, 95 per cent on compound wall works, 80 per cent on toilets, 60 per cent on the gardeners rooms, 60 per cent on the food court, 80 per cent on the entry arch and 60 per cent on the retail sale counters.

The convention centre is designed to accommodate 1,000 people in a sprawling 4,830 square metres. Six kilometres of pipelines are being laid to transport the treated effluent. The ground-level parking is designed to accommodate 380 cars and 10 buses. So far 73 per cent of the work is complete, and officials are expecting work to be completed in a couple of more months.