Chennai is working hard to become a greener, cleaner, and more livable city. In 2025, several projects are underway to improve green spaces, reduce pollution, and make the city more climate-friendly. A big step in this direction is the Brigade Group's recent purchase of 5.4 acres of land on Velachery Road for ₹441.7 crore. This land may soon become home to a new sustainable development with eco-friendly buildings and green infrastructure. South Chennai is also seeing similar growth—Prestige Pallavaram Gardens, located in Pallavaram along the Pallavaram-Thuraipakkam Road, is designed with open spaces and nature-based planning to support a healthier lifestyle.
Chennai has less green space compared to other major Indian cities. Right now, only about 5.28% of the city's area is covered in greenery. This is far below the national goal of 33.3%. For comparison, Bengaluru has around 6.8%, while Delhi and Hyderabad have over 12%.
To improve this, the city launched an ambitious plan to plant more trees and add green zones where possible. Starting June 5, 2025—World Environment Day—the Greater Chennai Corporation is planting 1 lakh saplings across public places like crematoriums, parks, roadways, and apartment complexes.
The city wants everyone to get involved—residents, schools, businesses, and colleges.
Many small community efforts are also happening. People are planting trees on birthdays, festivals, or during social drives like "Grow Billion Trees."
The city isn't just planting trees—it's planning how to fight climate change in the long run. In June 2023, the city launched the Chennai Climate Action Plan (CAP). It includes:
This plan follows the Paris Agreement goals, putting Chennai ahead of many other cities.
To support its goals, Chennai is changing how it plans buildings, roads, and neighborhoods.
A study by CSTEP found that spending ₹2,203 crore on nature-based solutions like rooftop gardens and water body restoration could boost the city's green cover by 76% and save ₹500 crore yearly in flood damage costs.
With little open space left, Chennai is trying new ways to add greenery:
Builders in Chennai are responding to the shift in public interest toward greener living. Brigade Group's land acquisition may lead to climate-friendly homes and offices with:
Similarly, Prestige Pallavaram Gardens in Pallavaram is designed for people who care about clean air, green surroundings, and modern comforts. Located on the fast-growing Pallavaram-Thuraipakkam Road, this community reflects what future-ready housing in Chennai looks like.
While progress is happening, Chennai has seen some tough moments too:
These setbacks show why the city's current efforts are so important.
Chennai is taking real steps to become a greener, healthier place to live. With major planting drives, smart climate planning, and green buildings, the city is setting an example for others.
Builders like Brigade Group and Prestige Group are not just putting up new buildings—they're creating better places to live. Projects like Prestige Pallavaram Gardens show how homes can be built with care for both people and the planet.
Because the city has very little green space—just 5.28%. Trees help improve air, reduce heat, and prevent floods.
It's a long-term plan to make Chennai carbon neutral by 2050 and better prepared for floods and heatwaves.
They are small, dense forests that grow fast and support local wildlife, using a special Japanese method.
Yes. You can take part in plantation drives, start a rooftop garden, or join local green groups.
Yes. Many builders now include solar panels, rainwater systems, and green spaces in their designs. Prestige Pallavaram Gardens is one such example in South Chennai.
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