Thanks to Mahabalipuram summit, it is advantage Koneri tank

From the elaborate arrangements to the traffic diversion, Modi-Xi summit has been the talking point for many Chennaites. The area around Mahabalipuram has been getting a facelift, and a significant one is the hitherto neglected Koneri tank now sports a new look.

Spread over 7 acres, it is the largest waterbody in Mahabalipuram and was once a source of drinking water for residents. Residents of the locality and volunteers from the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) restored the lake, which had a thick cover of Karuvelam or Prosopis juliflora and was used as a garbage dump.

Source: The Hindu

Water train to Chennai made its last trip this week

When the city was reeling under acute water shortage, the water train from Jolarpet came as a blessing to the parched Chennai residents. Ever since its maiden trip in June, it has made 159 trips transporting around 2.75 million litres of water in 50 wagons.

With an increase in the groundwater level, Krishna water, and the reservoirs filling up, the city bid goodbye to the water train early this week. The piped supply to the city is expected to increase over the coming weeks.

Source: The Hindu | The Times of India

New smart bike docking stations along Vadapalani Koyambedu stretch

Chennai Corporation is planning to set up new docking stations for the smart bikes in Koyambedu and adjoining areas. Currently, there are 37 docking stations with over 350 bicycles.

According to corporation officials, an average of 250 riders use smart bikes every day. Users will have to download the ‘SmartBike Mobility’ app and enter the bike number or scan the QR code for renting a bike.

Source: The New Indian Express

Burkit road to become smart road soon

The Chennai Corporation officials have started initiating work on the smart street development for Burkit road, in T Nagar. The work on Sir Theyagaraya Road near Pondy bazar, Venkatnarayana Road and G N Chetty road are nearing completion, and the officials have already called for tenders at a project cost of Rs. 5 crores.

The smart roads will be pedestrian and disabled-friendly in addition to the possibility of knowing the available parking slots through a mobile app under the smart parking system initiative.

Source: The Times of India

Thiruneermalai lake reels under medical waste

In an egregious violation of waste disposal norms, medical waste has been found to have polluted an entire lake in Chennai. The Thiruneermalai lake in Durga Nagar has been severely affected by pollution and release of sewage. Adding to its woes is the recent indiscriminate dumping and burning of hazardous and toxic medical waste along the edges of the lake.

Residents of the area have been spotting small fires from the burning of the waste. In addition, a large number of fish from the lake have also been found dead due to a drastic rise in pollution. Having seen the alarming state of the lake, residents and activists have lodged a complaint at the Chromepet Police Station seeking strict action against the polluters. The residents also rued the neglect of the once pristine lake by the water resources department.

Source: The Hindu | The New Indian Express

[Compiled by Sandhya Raju]