Urban News

The Hindu 05.01.2010

3,840 apartments for the poor in Coimbatore soon

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Monday announced the construction of 3,840 multi-storied apartments, at a cost of Rs.118 crore, for the poor in Coimbatore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

A State government release stated that the infrastructure was being developed for the World Classical Tamil Conference in June. A total of 2,232 multi-storied apartments would be constructed at Ukkadam at a cost of Rs.68 crore.

At Ammankulam, the government would spend Rs.50 crore to construct 1,608 multi-storied apartments. The Chief Minister also sanctioned Rs.59.85 crore for improving various roads, including those linking the Coimbatore District Small Scale Industries Association (CODISSIA) Complex where the conference would be held. A total of 72 roads spanning 92 km would be covered.

Roads linking the Coimbatore railway station, bus stand and Salem-Cochin road, where CODISSIA Complex is situated, Singanallur bus stand, Ramanathapuram and Pothanur railway stations and the Chitra-Kurumpalayam road that linked the national highways near the conference venue would be improved.

The Hindu 29.12.2009

Housing facilities for hut-dwellers to improve

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Chennai Corporation on Monday launched the process of improving housing facilities for those living in huts, under a scheme jointly funded by the Centre and the State government.

At a function in Labour Colony, Guindy, nearly 25 persons in Division 140 of the Corporation received work orders to build houses with funds sanctioned under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

A total of Rs.17.81 crore had been allotted under the scheme and 1,370 huts had been identified in the city so far.

Giving away the work orders, Mayor M. Subramanian said applicants must hold clear title for the land. Those who own land allotted by Slum Clearance Board may also apply. “The scheme will benefit all those who live in thatched huts in the city,” he said. The work order will be deemed cancelled if work is not commenced within 15 days’ of issue of the order.

According to a civic body official those living in lands not owned by them must provide a no objection certificate permitting them to take up construction. The scheme stipulates that a person must have resided in the place for five years and must produce a copy of the ration card.

Each beneficiary is given Rs.1.30 lakh to construct a house. To be eligible for the benefit, a beneficiary must pay ten per cent of the sanctioned amount. Payment will be made in four phases – after building basement, lintel, ceiling, and while providing the “finishing touches”. The amount need not be returned to the government but the beneficiary must ensure that the ‘pucca’ house has toilet and bathroom facilities, Mr. Subramanian said.

The amount was a subsidy to ensure that persons living in thatched roofs received better amenities. Persons with land may approach the zonal office. Officials would inspect the site and present their report in the ward committee, Mr. Subramanian explained.

Health cards distributed

The Mayor also distributed smart cards to those who have joined the Kalaignar health insurance scheme.

So far, a total of 4,98,795 families in the city had enrolled and about 770 persons had benefited under the scheme. It had cost the government Rs.3.8 crore, he said.