More water for Chennai residents

Chennaites have reason to rejoice. The water table in 8 out of 15 zones have seen a slight rise  by 0.68m. While areas of Madhavaram, Ambattur, Annangar, Teynampet, Valsaravakkam, Adyar, Perungudi and Sholinganallur has seen increase,  North Chennai areas like Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Tondiarpet, Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar have seen decrease in ground water levels.

Meanwhile, the city’s water department has identified 13 lakes and 5 quarries to augment water supply. A special team has been formed at the Metro Water board which will work with PWD and institutions like IIT-M and Anna University to do a feasibility study and also identify sources for the long run.

Source: The Times of India

Regulations at Koyambedu Market

In order to reduce traffic congestion and to regulate the number of trucks, the market management committee at Koyambedu market has introduced a token system where only two trucks per shop will be allowed inside the market. With omni buses and trucks in the vicinity, it is difficult for commuters to cross the junction especially in the morning hours.

In a bid to restrict the trucks that enter the market, 2 passes per licensed shop will be given. This move is expected to keep the unlicensed shops under check.  This is also to supplement the plan of CMDA for preparation of Koyambedu Local Area Traffic and Transportation System Management Strategies and Implementation Plan.

Source: The New Indian Express

Chennai Central and Egmore railway stations adopt green initiatives

In an effort to reduce carbon footprint, which will also result in significant saving in electricity, Chennai Central and Egmore railway stations will turn to solar panels to power their need.  Chennai Central recently was awarded Indian Green Building Code Certification and now officials are planning to get a silver or gold rating through these green initiatives.

Southern Railway has started installing solar panels totalling 1.9MW at Central and 250 KW at Egmore station. Together the two are expected to generate close to 3 lakh units of power every month.

CMDA seals shops in Flower Bazaar ; Court gives temporary respite

Within two days of sealing of flower shops in Badrian street in Flower bazaar, another division bench of the Madras  High Court has ordered for de-sealing of the shops based on compasisonate grounds.  Sudden closure of shops would affect the livelihood of the shop keepers, especially during the festive season.  The desealing were issued based on the condition that they will not conduct wholesale business and not sell beyond 2 Kg.

Source: The Hindu

Metrowater to upgrade its sewage treatment plants

Chennai Metrowater has begun the process of upgrading its sewage treatment plants to meet the revised Central Pollution Control Board standards on disposal of waste water.  The move is expected to have a marked improvement in the city waste water treatment.

Accordingly the 2 Kodungaiyur plants will be upgraded to treat 120 mld (million litres daily) each and the Nesapakkam plant will be expanded to handle 50 mld.  Eight STPs will have additional units to meet the new norms and there are new plants under construction at Sholinganallur and Tiruvottiyur.

Source: The Hindu

Chennai Corporation drawing up blueprint for a better tomorrow

Greater Chennai Corporation is turning to technology to make the city safer, especially for women.  From stepping up city survillance through CCTVs to venhicle tracking to emergency helpline & app, 13 initiatives have been proposed that will see a technologically enabled safe city by 2021.

The Corporation and City police will implements projects at the cost of Rs.425 Cr under the Nirbhaya fund. A victim compensation fund will also be set up to assist women suffering from trauma, loss of employment, grievous or non grievous injuries and violence. Sanitation facilities will also be improved through 500 e-toilets.

Source: The Times of India

Compiled by Sandhya Raju