Cyclone Fani unlikely to bring heavy rains to Chennai
The depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm that is about 880 kms from Chennai according to the IMD. Named Cyclone Fani, it is expected to make landfall in Odisha, bypassing Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD forecast squally winds with speeds over 50-60 kmph between April 27 and 30 in the regions along the east coast, with fishermen warned not to venture into the seas which are expected to be rough. Though Cyclone Fani might bring little respite from the heat, it may not bring much relief to the water-starved city, with only scattered rainfall predicted.
Meanwhile, the state government is busy preparing contingency measures to face any eventuality. Six teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on standby, besides Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Force of 1,275 trained police personnel. About 692 inter-departmental zonal teams, comprising deputy collector, tahsildar, police, fire service and public works department officials, have been formed.
Source: The Hindu | The New Indian Express
Metro Phase II to connect major hospitals
From Murari Hospitals in north Chennai to Global Hospitals in the south, Phase 2 of the metro rail project aims to improve mobility for patients visiting the hospitals, including those coming down to the city exclusively for treatment.
This phase will have stations at Murari Hospitals in Madhavaram, Royapettah Government Hospital in Royapettah, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre in Porur and Global Hospitals in Perumbakkam. Besides, there will be a station at the Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam, close to the MIOT Hospital.
The Rs 69,180-crore Phase 2 project, which will be implemented by the end of 2019, is likely to be completed within six years with a possible spill over to the seventh year, according to a Comprehensive Detailed Project Report prepared by Chennai Metro Rail.
Meanwhile, soil tests are on near Marina beach for an underground station near Gandhi statue. The stations will serve as a terminal station for the stretch between Light House and Poonamallee.
Source: The Hindu | The New Indian Express
Seven women hostels licenced to function
For over thousands of applications received from women’s hostels, Chennai Corporation has issued only seven licenses. Over 48 of them have been given provisional licenses while the rest are still under scrutiny.
It is estimated that the city could have over 4,000 hostels and paying guest accommodations. In December 2018, the Chennai Collector had mandated that all hostels must be registered, failing which they cannot continue operations. Action will be initiated against unauthorised hostels, functioning without the necessary licences, once the model code of conduct for the LS election ends.
Source: The Hindu | The Times of India
World Bank and KfW to fund city’s stormwater drains
Work on the development of stormwater drains in the Kovalam basin is set to begin with funding from German development bank KfW. Of the 1,600 sq km of Kovalam basin, 450 sq km is located in the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
The World Bank is also expected to give funds for the ₹3,000-crore project for flood mitigation in the State. Flood-prone areas such as Tambaram, Guduvancherry and Urapakkam will get underground macro drains to reduce flooding.
Source: The Hindu
[Compiled by Sandhya Raju]