Corporation sets one month vaccination target
The Greater Chennai Corporation has set a target of one month to complete the COVID-19 vaccination of all those who are over 18 years of age. To this end, the civic body has begun deploying teams to various areas of the city to carry out the vaccination. The special teams are tasked with persuading those residents who have not taken the vaccine so far. The civic body has deployed 1000 workers to carry out this task.
Vaccination numbers in the city is set to hit the 50 lakh mark in the coming week. The civic body claims that at least 75% coverage across the city is necessary to mitigate any effects of a possible third wave. Mega vaccination camps are also slated to be held in various parts of the city to help the residents access vaccines easily with many of the camps in underserved slums.
Source: The Hindu
High Court orders shifting of Perungudi and Alandur dumpyards; facelift for Pallikaranai
While disposing of a batch of petitions related to unauthorised sale of land in the area, Justice N Kirubakaran of the Madras High Court ordered the authorities to relocate the dump yards in Perungudi and Alandur. The order also called for considering the feasibility of converting the Pallikaranai marshland near the area to be converted into a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The judge also called for authorities to take action to stop the disposal of municipal waste and effluents let out by industries, apartments and metro water. The judge also called on the authorities to ascertain the extent of encroachment in the marshland and to ensure eviction and relocation in case of illegal occupation. The judgement also sought the appointment of a panel comprising NGOs and environmentalists under the Environmental Protection Act who will draw up a framework for the restoration and development of the marshland.
A revamped section of the marshland will be open to the public from October 2. The new facilities included a paved 4-km walking path, tree cover with 1500 saplings along the way and plans to construct a watchtower for birdwatchers.
Source: The New Indian Express | The Times of India
Read more: How an international tag can help save the Pallikaranai marshland
Kilambakkam bus terminus to be completed in March 2022
The long awaited bus terminus in Kilambakkam will be operational from March 2022. The terminal can accommodate 245 government and private buses at a time. The parking area can hold up to 3000 private vehicles. The project is estimated to cost Rs 397 crores.
The terminus will serve both Mofussil buses and city buses, with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) already operating out of Kilambakkam. Long distance buses run by the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) which are currently being operated out of Koyambedu will shift to the new terminus.
While the new terminus will ease congestion in Koyambedu, commuters have raised concerns about the distance of the terminus from the city and the lack of last mile connectivity.
Source: The Times of India
Metro to launch common mobility card
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will launch a common mobility card in January 2022. The card will enable commuters to pay for multiple modes of transport such as the metro rail, MTC bus, suburban rail and also for the use of parking facilities at metro stations. The card can also be used for shopping and dining purposes.
The idea of the mobility card was conceived by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and launched in 2019. The card was demonstrated in Chennai two months ago with the automated fare collection feature. The card will work in a manner similar to the existing smart card. The difference between the two cards being that while the smart card can only be used for metro rail, the common mobility card can be used for other modes of transport as and when this service is launched by them.
Source: The Times of India
Read more: A year on, Chennai still awaits CUMTA
Public participation in a slew of projects
Under the newly launched ‘Namakku Naame Thittam’ encouraging community participation is a key goal. Under this scheme, the proposal for execution of public works can come for Residents Welfare Associations, individuals and institutions and the community at large. Rs 300 crores has been earmarked for this purpose.
The projects undertaken will see one third of the costs covered by the public. Renovation of water bodies, schools, health centers, hospitals, setting up of CCTV cameras, maintenance of traffic islands, parks, playgrounds, fountains and street lights are some of the areas applicable to this scheme.
Source: The Hindu
[Compiled by Aruna Natarajan]