MRTS operations on one line suspended temporarily
MRTS services between Beach – Chintadripet will be suspended for a period of seven months. The suspension will be in effect from August 27. The Southern Railways has undertaken the decision to pause services in order to carry out work on the fourth line between Beach – Egmore.
For the duration of the suspension, the trains from Beach – Velachery will run from Chintadripet – Velachery. The number of services along the line will drop from 122 to 80. Commuters can expect trains at a duration of 15 to 20 minutes.
In order to aid commuters affected by the suspension, the Railways has requested the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to increase the number of bus services run between the Central and Beach stations.
Source: The New Indian Express
Read more: Fishers of Ennore demand their river back
Fisherman’s death in Ennore leads to protest
The death of a 33-year-old fisherman after his boat hit debris in the Kosasthaliyar River led to protests by the fishing community in Ennore. The fishers alleged that the debris dumped into the river for the construction of power transmission lines by TANTRANSCO led to the accident that resulted in the death of the fisherman, Vignesh.
Notably, the fisherfolk staged a protest against the construction of the tower in the river. One of the reasons they had stated for their opposition had been the dumping of debris that makes it dangerous for the boats to navigate the river.
The fishing community also opposed the project on the grounds that it would cause damage to their environment and adversely affect their livelihood. Talks are ongoing between the fishing community and the authorities.
Source: The New Indian Express | The Hindu
Six Chennai bus terminuses to be improved
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) will undertake the redevelopment of six bus terminuses with state-of-the-art facilities with a view to improving the commuter experience. The bus terminuses under consideration include ones in Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Kannadasan Nagar, Tondiarpet, Mullai Nagar, Periyar Nagar and Ambattur.
The improvements on the cards include new toilets, revamped roofing, solar panels, CCTV cameras, seating arrangements, drinking water facilities, waiting rooms and commercial establishments.
The timeline for the revamp is set at 2024 and the entire project is estimated to cost Rs 50 crore. Designs for the terminuses have been finalised and tenders will be called for shortly.
Source: The Times of India
Conservancy workers stage protest against privatisation
Conservancy workers employed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) staged a protest against the civic body’s plans to privatise solid waste management in the three zones currently managed by the GCC. Around 200 workers staged a day-long hunger strike demanding the GCC drop privatisation plans.
Other demands included ensuring permanent jobs for the workers, pay hikes and better working conditions.
The workers also demanded the implementation of the old pension scheme and payment of arrears due for the work carried out during the pandemic. The workers also demanded the dropping of the contract system currently implemented by the civic body.
Source: The New Indian Express
Read more: Chennai residents question quality of water from Nemmeli desalination plant
Foundation stone laid for fourth desalination plant for Chennai
Chief Minister M K Stalin laid the foundation stone for a fourth desalination plant for Chennai. The plant will be the largest in south-east Asia. The plant is located at Perur on East Coast Road. The total cost of the plant is Rs 4276 crore.
The plant, when operational, is expected to cater to the needs of 22 lakh residents across Chennai Corporation, Tambaram Corporation and villages around the city. The work will be helmed by the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) and is expected to be completed by 2026.
The plant will have the capacity to treat 400 million litres of seawater per day.
Source: The Hindu
[Compiled by Aruna Natarajan]