Flood mitigation works pick up steam
In the run-up to the rainy season in Chennai, Water Resources Department (WRD) has lined up flood mitigation works, especially in sensitive areas like the rivers of Cooum, Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar, apart from Buckingham Canal.
The work includes expanding Adyar and Kosathalaiyar rivers, removing silt, and setting up drains and new pipe culverts. Those found occupying areas in and around the rivers are set to face eviction, confirmed WRD.
Source: DT Next
Read more: Chennai wetlands key to flood mitigation: Are we doing enough?
Namakku Naame Thittam projects yet to get funds from Chennai Corporation
Only 16 out of 177 projects under Namakku Naame Thittam have received funds from the Greater Chennai Corporation so far. Under the scheme rolled out by the state government for Rs. 45 crores, the public or RWAs have to bear a minimum of 30% of the total cost.
Due to the delay in payments, residents expressed displeasure with the GCC and warned that the projects may have to be halted without the immediate disbursal of funds. The Commissioner has taken cognisance of the matter and insisted that the respective officials ensure the timely release of funds.
Source: The Times of India
Dug-up roads bother Chennaiites
Thanks to stormwater drain work, digging of roads has become the new peeve of residents from different parts of Chennai. According to various ward councillors, it would take a month for the Teynampet zone to complete SWD works, 70% of drains have been laid in Arunachalam Road in Saligramam, and 90% of the work is over in Pulianthope.
Although the efforts of the civic body to be flood-ready have garnered appreciation, residents hope key areas would not flood as they fear a delay in the completion of SWD works before the onset of the monsoon.
GCC will wrap up the digging of new roads by September 20, according to the timeline shared by the civic body. Furthermore, officials informed that existing SWD work will be over by the end of September.
Source: The Hindu
New transport roadmap blueprint in the works as part of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP)
Along with the Third Master Plan (TMP), the Tamil Nadu Government plans to integrate a new transport roadmap till 2048. Although the TMP can be a long-drawn process, CMP can come to fruition in 1.5 years, once the state government gives a green signal, say the officials.
The existing CMP aimed to bring more connectivity to Metro rail. The proposed CMP would focus on the mobility of all users and all modes of travel, bringing land use and transport systems. This is different from the 2010 Chennai Comprehensive Transportation Study focused on car users.
Source: The New Indian Express
Read more: How can Chennai’s third master plan encourage sustainable transport?
State government mulls building a skywalk at Kilambakkam’s new mofussil bus terminus
With only MTC buses to reach the Kilambakkam bus terminus, the state is looking to build a skywalk connecting the bus stand with Vandalur local train station. An additional platform would also be built in the Vandalur station to help commuters. It would take nine months for both of the works to be completed.
The state government is also planning to connect Kelambakkam and Kilambakkam Phase-II of Chennai Metro Rail’s Corridor 3, making Kilambakkam a transport hub. However, the metro linkage between Kilambakkam and the airport can be delayed due to problems with funding.
Source: The New Indian Express
[Compiled by Padmaja Jayaraman]