Flyovers to be open at night in Chennai
Flyovers across Chennai will be open overnight after a recent decision by the city’s Traffic Police. Previously, all flyovers were shut during the night time, forcing motorists to take longer routes to reach their destination.
The restriction on the use of flyovers during the night was put in place during the pandemic to reduce vehicular movement but had continue long after. The rationale behind its continuation was that it was seen as a move to curb erratic driving and overspeeding at night.
With more offices remaining open overnight, there has been an increase in vehicular traffic. With flyovers closed there have been traffic jams and congestion on arterial roads at night. With this move, all 33 flyovers will now remain open at night.
Source: DTNext
Zone 13 Makkalai Thedi Mayor meeting sees over 300 petitions
Makkalai Thedi Mayor scheme, the outreach initiative by Chennai Mayor R Priya, saw a meeting held for the resident Zone 13. Zone 13 covers Adyar and surrounding areas. Residents gathered in large numbers to present grievances related to various civic issues and services.
Roads, schools, buildings and stormwater drains, death certificates and property tax related issues were the most prominent petitions raised by the residents seeking solutions.
Along with this, a medical camp was also organised in the area for the attendees.
Residents were promised that their grievances related to roads and stormwater drains will be addressed at the earliest.
Source: DTNext
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More skyscrapers can be expected in Chennai
Planning permission for high-rise buildings will be granted by the state government instead of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). This move could result in more high-rise buildings in the city.
The new amendment sees a panel comprising CMDA Member Secretary and officials from eight other departments such as fire services, TANGEDCO ect who will review the proposals and plans for high-rise buildings and provide recommendations to the government.
This move has been welcomed by builders who feel that the new system will help reduce delays and curb red tape.
Source: The Times of India
Water Resources Department mulling river-linking
The Water Resources Department (WRD) is looking into the linking of the Kosathaliyar and Arani rivers. The key aim of the project would be to reduce the impact of the intrusion of seawater North Chennai and reduce flooding.
Construction of canals will be carried out to manage the surplus water in the Kosasthaliyar river. Another outcome that is expected is the improvement in groundwater levels in North Chennai.
The river-liking could avoid a repeat of the floods of 2015 and has been a part of a bouquet of recommendations from the Thiruppugazh Committee. A feasibility report will be prepared for the project and Rs 5 crore has been allocated for it.
Source: The New Indian Express
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Debris to be cleared from Kodambakkam and Royapuram
After an inspection by the Commissioner of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), J Radhakrishnan, orders have been passed to clear debris on the roads of Kodambakkam and Royapuram zones.
The GCC Commissioner carried out an inspection of work on stormwater drains. He then ordered the removal of dumped construction debris on roads. Fines will also be imposed on those illegally dumping debris in public spaces.
Silt from drains and silt catch pits will also be removed and all roads relaid in the run-up to the monsoons.
Source: The Hindu
[Compiled by Aruna Natarajan]