Chennai is set to unveil its third and most ambitious botanical garden yet, covering an impressive 137 hectares (approximately 338 acres) on the outskirts of the city. The chosen site for this expansive garden is Kadambur village, located along GST Road in the Chengalpet district. This location is strategically positioned just 20 kilometres from the renowned Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur.

This new botanical garden is a key component of the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, an initiative designed to boost the state’s green cover from the current 23.7% to a targeted 33%. The Forest Minister, K. Ramachandran, announced the project during the state budget presentation in March. Once completed, this garden will significantly surpass Chennai's existing botanical gardens in scale. For comparison, the current gardens—Semmozhi Poonga on Cathedral Road and the Madhavaram garden—each span about 20 acres. The estimated budget for the new garden is approximately 300 crore rupees, a considerable increase from the 40 lakh to 80 lakh rupees allocated for the smaller gardens.

The Environment Department has already secured the necessary funding and is in the process of developing a detailed project report. Construction is expected to commence following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kew Gardens, a prestigious public institution from the United Kingdom known for its expertise in botanical garden design and management. This collaboration will offer technical guidance on plant management and species selection. The MoU is currently under negotiation.

The new garden will focus on climate-resilient plant species, featuring a diverse array of flora from both tropical evergreen and temperate forests. The garden will include various themed sections such as flower gardens, aesthetic gardens, bamboo gardens, herbal gardens, and mini forests. Additionally, greenhouses and glasshouses will be constructed to house non-native species, ensuring a broad and sustainable plant environment.

Impact on Nearby Real Estate Projects

1. Increased Property Values:

   - Enhanced Appeal: The introduction of such a large-scale botanical garden is likely to boost property values in the vicinity. The lush green environment and recreational opportunities offered by the garden will make nearby residential and commercial properties more desirable.

   - Premium Pricing: Properties close to this new green space are expected to see a rise in value due to the enhanced quality of life and aesthetic appeal that the garden will provide.

2. Residential Development Surge:

   - Attractive Location: With the garden's development, Kadambur village and surrounding areas like Chengalpet and Vandalur will become increasingly attractive for residential developers. The enhanced green cover and recreational amenities will drive demand for residential projects, including luxury apartments and gated communities.

 - New Projects: Real estate developers are likely to invest in new residential projects and housing complexes in these areas, capitalizing on the increased appeal of living near a major botanical garden.

3. Commercial Real Estate Growth:

   - Retail and Hospitality: The new garden will attract visitors from across Chennai and beyond, creating opportunities for commercial developments such as retail spaces, restaurants, and hotels in the vicinity. Properties that can cater to the influx of tourists and garden-goers will likely see increased demand.

   - Office Spaces: As the area develops and attracts more businesses and services, the demand for office spaces may also rise, spurring commercial real estate growth.

4. Infrastructure Improvements:

   - Transport and Connectivity: The increased interest in the Kadambur area will likely prompt improvements in local infrastructure, including roads and public transport connections. Enhanced connectivity will further boost property values and make the area more accessible.

   - Public Amenities: The garden’s development will be accompanied by upgrades in local amenities, including parks, schools, and healthcare facilities, making the surrounding areas more attractive for residential and commercial investments.

5. Sustainable Living Trends:

   - Green Initiatives: The focus on climate-resilient plant species and sustainable practices in the new garden will align with broader green and sustainable living trends. Properties that incorporate eco-friendly features and green spaces will become increasingly popular, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainability.

In summary, Chennai’s new botanical garden is set to have a profound impact on the real estate market in Kadambur village, Chengalpet, and surrounding areas. By enhancing property values, driving residential and commercial development, and improving local infrastructure, the garden will contribute to a dynamic and thriving real estate market. For investors and developers, this presents an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the growing appeal of green and sustainable living spaces.