CMWSSB cracks down on illegal connections
The Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) has begun to clamp down on unauthorised sewage and water connections in the city. The move comes on the heels of an order by the Madras High Court.
As part of the drive, the CMWSSB has identified a total of 1597 illegal water and sewage connections. Manali and Madhavaram have the highest number of illegal connections as per data from the CMWSSB. The illegal connections have been disconnected with more drives across the city’s 200 wards planned.
The crackdown covers properties that have secured water and sewage connections using fake revenue documents and those where the residents have encroached on water bodies and public land. The CMWSSB is working with the revenue department to identify such connections.
Source: The New Indian Express
Campaign to remove abandoned vehicles across Chennai
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has amped up its drive to remove abandoned vehicles from across the city. The civic body has identified a total of 1308 abandoned vehicles across Chennai and will be removing them from the streets in a phased manner. Over the last fortnight, 25 cars which were abandoned have been removed by the GCC.
The civic body made announcements about abandoned vehicles and provided time for the owners to come forward and remove the vehicles. The drive that began two weeks ago will have the vehicles taken to the dump yard in Perungudi. The vehicles will then be auctioned at a later date.
Abandoned vehicles have resulted in increasing traffic bottlenecks and also serve has a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The civic body aims to clean up the streets by moving vehicles.
Source: The Times of India
Read more: Thousands of abandoned vehicles across city set to go under the hammer
CMRL to work on easing peak hour congestion
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will work on measures to improve the commuter experience during peak hours. The service has seen an increase in ridership in recent months, with the average ridership expected to hit 3 lakhs.
In view of this, Managing Director M A Siddhique has provided assurance that steps will be taken to ensure a smooth experience for commuters free of delays and disruptions. The statement comes in the wake of a disruption in service on the Airport – WIMCO Nagar Blue Line during the week. The disruption left passengers stranded for hours.
The plans include the procurement of 28 additional rakes of six-coach trains to meet increased and future passenger demand.
Source: The Indian Express | The Hindu
Civic body holds health assemblies
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) held ward-level health assemblies over two days with a view to discussing the healthcare concerns of residents. The assemblies were also platforms where residents could air their grievances about the availability of healthcare services in Chennai.
The meetings are expected to become a regular occurrence and will be helmed by the ward councillors and involve physicians from the primary health centres. The meetings are set to be held once a month.
Some of the concerns raised at the first meeting include the need for improved coverage for vaccinations, the requirement of more dog and cattle pounds, adequate stock of vaccines and better remuneration for healthcare workers employed by the GCC.
Source: The Times of India
Read more: What I observed during a day spent at a UPHC in Chennai
CMDA to develop civic infra in Chennai
A council resolution was passed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) allowing the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to develop various civic infrastructures in the city. The CMDA can build sporting complexes, parks and markets.
The CMDA will develop a sporting complex in Vysarpadi at a cost of Rs 20 crore. The amenities present will include cycling tracks, football playground, walking path, gymnasium and children’s park. CMDA will hand over the complex to the GCC upon completion.
Similarly, the CMDA will work on projects such as the renovation of vegetable market in Ennore, construction of a school in Puzhal, renovation of a football ground in Puzhal and setting up of a park in Ramapuram.
Source: The Hindu
[Compiled by Aruna Natarajan]