CMRL launches WhatsApp e-ticket service in Chennai
On March 17, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) launched the service to book e-tickets through WhatsApp in Chennai. According to the news reports, the commuters, have to send a message saying ‘Hi’ to the number 8300086000. Commuters will then find a provision to choose the origin and destination stations, following which they will be directed to the payment gateway.
The commuters will also get a discount of 20% while booking tickets through WhatsApp. As soon as the payment is done, a QR code ticket will be generated and sent to them. One commuter can generate as many as six tickets through the WhatsApp e-ticket service and the tickets are transferable from one person to another by sharing the QR code.
These tickets will also be valid for 24 hours.
Source: The Hindu
Read more: Why I root for the Chennai Metro: A citizen perspective
J Radhakrishnan assumes office as Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation
Following the recent transfer of the IAS officials, J Radhakrishnan assumed office as the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation on May 15. Notably, Radhakrishnan was the Commissioner of GCC in 2000 when the now Chief Minister MK Stalin was the then Mayor of GCC.
Beginning his second stint as the GCC commissioner, he said that his focus will be on ground-level work and strengthening the grievance redressal mechanisms. He also provided assurance that regular zonal level meetings and meetings with local body councillors will be held to understand the issues faced by the residents.
Source: The New Indian Express
Power cuts due to high power demand in Chennai
As the city reeled under scorching heat with temperature touching 42.7 degrees Celsius in Meenambakkam on May 16, the power demand crossed the 4000 MW mark for the first time on the night of May 16 as many residents turned to air conditioners for relief. This also led to power cuts in several areas for successive days. Areas like Kolathur, Royapuram, Ambattur, Manapakkam, Guduvanchery, East Tambaram, Annanur, Madipakkam and Puzhuthivakkam also witnessed power cuts during the night.
Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji said the old underground power cables will be revamped in Chennai. The officials have also been instructed not to enforce the power shutdown of the substations during the summer till May 31.
Source: DT Next | The Hindu
Read more: Electricity cables and junction boxes among safety hazards in Chennai this monsoon
Builders asked to ensure the safety of construction workers
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the phenomenon of excruciating heat with soaring temperatures in Chennai is due to the lack of sea breeze caused by Cyclone Mocha. While the heat has been affecting people from all walks of life, a circular has been sent from the director of Industrial Safety and Health to the builders across Chennai and elsewhere to ensure the safety of construction workers.
The builders have been instructed to reschedule the working hours for the workers exposed to direct sunlight. Not only drinking water but also electrolyte supplements should be provided to the workers. The factories have also been directed to ensure 4.5 litres of water per day per worker is made available throughout the day.
Source: DT Next
38,721 Olive Ridley hatchlings released into the sea in Chennai
With the nesting season of Olive Ridley turtles in the State nearing an end, as many as 38,721 Olive Ridley hatchlings have been released into the sea in Chennai so far. The nesting season would usually start in December and end in April – May.
Chennai has 4 large hatcheries. The eggs collected by the forest department staff and volunteers are brought to the hatcheries for safekeeping. After 45 days of hatching period, they will be released into the sea.
The forest department identified as many as 487 nests and recovered 49,187 eggs in the current nesting season, of which, 38,721 hatchings were released into the sea.
Source: The Hindu
[Compiled by Shobana Radhakrishnan]