The Hindu                29.04.2013

Credai to the rescue of city roads

Developers’ body to begin conservancy work on 12 stretches in May.

For Chennaites who have always bemoaned the plight of
the city’s roads, relief may be in sight as the Confederation of Real
Estate Developers Association of India (Credai) – Chennai this week
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chennai Corporation on
shouldering responsibility of conservancy and maintenance on 12 roads in
the city.

On May 2, EVK Sampath Salai will see a
modified, rigorous cycle of cleaning being implemented. Roads such as
Pantheon Road will also benefit soon.

The Chennai
Corporation council in February passed a resolution permitting Credai to
carry out conservancy operation and maintenance on EVK Sampath Salai,
Jothi Venkatachalam Salai, Vepery High Road, Raja Muthiah Road, Gandhi
Irwin Road, Purasawalkam High Road, Gangadeeswarar Koil Street, Raja
Annamalai Road, Narayana Guru Salai, Police Commissioner Office Road,
Pantheon Road and Whannels Road.

“This is a CSR
initiative. We want to make a marked difference in the conservancy
operations,” said Sandeep Mehta, president Credai-Chennai.

“We will engage foreign agencies for the work. Each builder will shoulder responsibility of keeping one road clean,” he added.

At least five dedicated conservancy labourers will work in two shifts to clean 820- metre-long stretch of EVK Sampath Salai.

The
number of cycles of conservancy operations will increase according to
the periodic assessments. A team will start work at 10 p.m. and finish
by 2 a.m. The next cycle will begin at 6 a.m. and end by 10 a.m. The
third cycle of conservancy will also be carried out based on the
requirement.

Credai will display its name on
footpaths where it carries the work. The workers will be asked to clean
roads, median, signage, street furniture and remove all stains. They
will also spread information on spitting on roads.

The
team will report damages in civic infrastructure to the Chennai
Corporation. Watering of plants on medians, aesthetics of traffic
islands, removal of unauthorised banners and wall posters, pruning of
trees along the roads and facilitating adequate illumination at night
will also be undertaken by Credai.