With truckers nationwide strike, veggie prices likely to shoot up
Truck operators across the nation called for an indefinite strike against rising fuel cost, and calling for rationalising road toll plazas. Though the strike might not impact the supply of essential items like milk, water and medicine it is likely to affect the prices of vegetables. In Tamil Nadu it is estimated that around 4.5 lakh lorries would be off the road.
Source: New Indian Express
Key bus terminuses likely to be put to commercial use
The MTC that has been financially strained with steady loss of commuters is likely to put a few terminus at strategic locations to commercial use. The move is also said to be a step towards effective use of space that is being wasted currently.
T Nagar bus terminus might be the first one to get a commercial fillip due to the pedestrian plaza coming up in the locality, as part of the smart city project.
Property tax likely to go up
Property tax in the city is likely to go up by as much as 50% for residences and 100% for commercial buildings. The Chennai Corporation is likely to announce a hike in rates based on the property guideline value. The additional revenue will ease the financial burden of the Corporation.
Source: The Hindu
Corporation takes scientific approach to stray dog census
After four years, the Chennai Corporation set out to take a stray dog census, but adopted a more scientific approach this time, with use of technology through a customised mobile app. The app categorised the dogs into six different categories – sterilised male, unsterilised male, sterilised female, unsterilised female, lactating mothers and puppies and was conducted simultaneously in different streets to avoid duplication.
Source: New Indian Express
Padi railway station may not be functional, but become a social hub
Padi railway station near Annanagar, which was lying unused until now, may soon become a social hub for residents. The station which is maintained by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has begun developmental work and is setting up a 500-metre walker path. To improve green cover, 300 saplings have been planted.
While this is a welcome move, some residents have appealed to resume services at Padi and Annanagar railway stations which will boost connectivity in these areas.
Source: The Hindu
Residents of Avadi yet to get sewage connections
Avadi, a growing suburb of Chennai with a population close to 4 lakh, is yet to get sewage connections. Two sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 40 MLD and 17 pumping stations were constructed four years ago. But not a single house has been connected to it. The sewage is currently being let out to the Paruthipet Lake without treatment.
Source: Times of India
[Compiled by Sandhya Raju]