GCC plans pedestrian plazas on KNK Road and MC Road
Khader Nawaz Khan Road (KNK Road) in Nungambakkam and MC Road in Old Washermanpet are slated to become the sites for the next two pedestrian plazas after Pondy Bazaar under the Mega Street Project. The civic body has drawn plans to revamp MC Road into an open mall and parking space. No vehicles will be allowed to pass through the road. However, there will be a path for cyclists.
The pedestrian plazas on MC Road and KNK Road would be implemented at a cost of Rs 23 crore and Rs 15 crore respectively.
Apart from pedestrian plazas, the city corporation plans to enlarge the traffic circle at Pantheon Road – Gandhi Irwin Bridge and Arunachalam Street junction in Egmore with the aim to make the road safer for motorists.
Source: DT Next | Times Now
Koyambedu market reeks as unauthorised vendors dump waste
Around 1000 unauthorised vendors selling fruits and vegetables in the Koyambedu market have been dumping waste at the premises, causing various issues. Apart from health concerns, it has led to road congestion. There is also the issue of loss of income for the Market Management Committee, as these illegal vendors do not pay rent or electricity bills, unlike the authorised traders.
Some authorised traders allege that despite complaining to the committee, no action has been taken. However, the Chief Administrative Officer of the committee has stated that there are around 150 illegal shops selling curry leaves and coriander. Moreover, the officer also said that they are conducting rounds regularly to weed out illegal shops in Koyambedu market.
Source: The Times of India
Read more: What makes it hard to manage waste in the Koyambedu market?
Burning garbage led to heavy smoke near Periyar Eri
Thick smoke emanated in the early hours of July 20 near the Pallavaram Thoraipakkam Radial Road close to Periyar Eri, affecting motorists and residents. The cause of the smoke was initially suspected to be an issue with the underground electricity cables.
However, it was confirmed that the fire was due to garbage burning. Residents allege that waste segregation centres and commercial establishments have been illegally dumping and burning the waste on Radial Road near the lake. The civic body plans to take action against the unauthorised dumping of garbage.
Source: The Hindu
Chennai the only city within permissible pollution limits: CPCB
As per the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Chennai is the only city with particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM10 levels within safe limits, between March and June, found the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Around 11 cities, including Chennai, were chosen for monitoring the pollution levels, as they did not meet the ambient air quality standards between 2011-15. The NCAP aspires to decrease the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 by 20-30% before 2024.
However, the report faced backlash from public health professionals. They said that areas in North Chennai suffered from dust and heavy metal pollution, due to polluting industries, thermal power plants and oil refineries in Ennore and Manali. The critics recommended adding more air quality monitors in Chennai.
Source: The Hindu
Read more: Ennore power plants violate emission norms, pose serious health risks: Study
GCC to build 156 new bus shelters
Many designated bus stops across the city lack shelters protecting passengers from heat and rain. The civic body is planning to build 156 new shelters. This initiative is part of the goal of GCC to convert 1000 bus shelters into modern stainless steel shelters. The public can request the civic body for bus shelters wherever necessary and their suggestions will be taken into consideration.
The shelters would have heat-resistant roofs, display boards with route numbers and names of bus stops. The shelters will also be disabled-friendly with tactile flooring and brightly coloured tapes for mobility assistance. The display boards would also be placed lower than five feet to enable people in wheelchairs to use them.
Source: The New Indian Express
[Compiled by Padmaja Jayaraman]