Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) has launched a Sponge Park at Mullai Nagar in Tambaram in partnership with the Tambaram City Municipal Corporation as part of its flagship environmental sustainability initiative, KVB Bhoomi. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri D. Sarathkumar, Honourable Minister for Human Resource Management, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Shri S. Balachander, IAS, Commissioner, Tambaram City Municipal Corporation and Shri B. Sankar, Executive Director, Karur Vysya Bank, along with senior officials from the Bank and the Municipal Corporation. The project has been developed as an integrated blue-green infrastructure initiative designed to capture, store and naturally filter rainwater, helping mitigate urban flooding while replenishing groundwater resources.
The Sponge Park addresses challenges arising from rapid urbanisation, declining groundwater levels and seasonal waterlogging in the region. Mullai Nagar was identified as a suitable location due to recurring flooding issues, groundwater stress and limited green public infrastructure. The nature-based solution is expected to improve environmental sustainability while creating a model for resilient urban development that addresses these pressing ecological challenges. The project aims to transform an urban space into a sustainable public asset that combines water management, climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement and community well-being.
The project aims to transform an urban space into a sustainable public asset that combines water management, climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement and community well-being. The park will provide residents with an accessible and eco-friendly recreational space and help strengthen the area's resilience to climate-related challenges. The initiative is expected to benefit residents across all age groups while serving as a living demonstration of sustainable urban planning and environmental management, creating greater awareness of water-sensitive design and ecological conservation among visitors and students. The project also functions as a demonstration site for sustainable urban planning, water-sensitive design and ecological conservation.
MD & CEO Mr. Ramesh Babu, Karur Vysya Bank, emphasized the bank's commitment to sustainability, stating that the initiative addresses pressing ecological challenges and creates long-term environmental impact. He described the Sponge Park as a pioneering example of how nature-based infrastructure can improve water security, mitigate urban flooding, enhance biodiversity, and create healthier public spaces. According to KVB, at Karur Vysya Bank, we believe that sustainability is a very important part of our commitment to responsible growth and community development. The project aligns with KVB's CSR focus on environmental sustainability and contributes towards multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), and Life on Land (SDG 15).
