Groundwater table rises in the city

The city has witnessed a healthy rise of 2 to 4 metres in groundwater level since August, thanks to the rainfall during recent days. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, from June 1st to September 11th, the city has received 416 mm against the normal 356 mm.

The rise has not been uniform, however. While localities along the beach in Adyar, Injambakkam, Akkarai and Besant Nagar saw negligible rise in the level, Korattur and Ambattur have seen a steep rise of 5 metres in the groundwater level over the period mentioned.

Source: The New Indian Express

Corporation gears up for more rainy days

Chennai Corporation is taking all steps to ensure that rainy days do not leave the city water-clogged. Work on desilting 2,000 km of drains, divided into 311 packages is expected to be completed in 15 days.

The civic body has identified 176 relief centres for disaster preparedness. As many as 44 mobile and static medical teams have been formed in the city. The Chennai Corporation has established a control room with 75 staff members to help residents and coordinate with officials during any disaster event.

Residents can call helpline 1913 to report civic issues during the monsoon.

Source: The Hindu

Locations for the second airport in the city identified

Six locations have been narrowed down by the State Government as probable locations for the second airport in the city. Highly-placed sources told The Hindu that Thiruporur, Vallathur, Thodur, Cheyyar, Maduramangalam and Mappedu are on the shortlist. The state government is likely to hold talks with AAI officials to discuss the feasibility of the location.

Source: The Hindu

Families on the banks of Cooum in Chintadripet evicted

Around 107 families living in Chintadripet on the banks of Cooum river have been evicted as part of the Cooum restoration project. According to Government records, there are 924 families living in that area.

The civic body, ahead of the Cooum eco-restoration project, identified 54 slums and 13,667 project-affected families for resettlement. As many as 4,265 families from 24 slums along the Cooum river were relocated earlier. The officials are planning to complete the eviction along the Cooum before the monsoon.

Source: The Times of India | The Hindu

Corporation empowered to give nod for large housing projects

The Chennai Corporation has been bestowed powers to issue planning permission and building approval for residential buildings with an area of 10,000 sq ft, a height of 12 m, a maximum of 16 dwelling units and three floors, plus one floor for a parking lot. Section 9C of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, has been amended to facilitate delegation of the powers. The move comes at a time when election to the local bodies is likely to be announced anytime soon.

Source: The Times of India

[Compiled by Sandhya Raju]