The Times of India      26.03.2017 

New corporations can keep old promises

 

Tambaram, Avadi and Pallavaram are likely to get new corporations

 

Open drains, overhead power cables, dark alleys and a handful of staff struggling to solve a multitude of civic complaints could be a thing of the past for residents of Avadi, Pallavaram and Tambaram as the government is planning to create three independent satellite municipal corporations adjoining Chennai, headquartered in these neighbourhoods.

If the proposal gets through, people in places which are yet to see basic amenities could have piped water supply, street lights and motorable roads. For instance, areas falling under the jurisdiction of Avadi Municipality are covered by underground sewerage system. A municipal corporation will ensure people living in villages within its ambit access to it.

Formation of new municipal corporations would mean more funds from various financial institutions in the state government and the Centre. "Municipal corporations get a better share from the government. Loans can be availed for infrastructure-related projects," an official said. Municipal corporations open the window for a slew of services including improved sanitation. Like those living within Greater Chennai Corporation, people in the new corporations may have access to corporation-run hospitals and schools, online services and upgraded technology to resolve civic issues.

K P Subramanian, former urban en gineering professor at Anna University, said corporations will have better technical knowledge for planning, designing and execution of basic amenities such as water supply, underground sewerage system, liquid and solid waste management. "Development will be regulated as constructions cannot be carried out in violation of building rules.The strength of officers will also increase for addressing issues related to civic amenities, leading to better quality of life," he said. However, he noted people may have to shell out more towards property tax and water tax.

Real estate may see an upswing in the long term. According to Kanchana rm. According to Kanchana Krishnan, director, Knight Frank (India) Pvt. Ltd, real estate price in Chennai in creases gradually and over a period of time. "Infrastruc ture and connectivity are two major factors that influence growth of any city .This in turn will result in creation of new residential pockets. So appreciation of land will happen gradually in the medium to long term," she said.

Though residents are enthused about the new proposal, some said authorities should not delay in providing civic amenities. While welcoming the move, S Mohanram, a resident of Thirunindravur, said some areas in Ambattur Municipality are yet to get underground sewerage system and metro water facilities even after five years of merging with Greater Chennai Corporation. "Such glitches should not happen in the proposed new corporations," he said.

 

The Hindu       25.03.2017 

Restore Adyar, Cooum rivers to past glory: HC

Calls for setting up of high-power panel, dedicated dept.

The First Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday tooksuo motucognisance of the pollution in Adyar and Cooum rivers and directed the State government to appoint a high-power committee and a dedicated department to restore the rivers to their “past glory”.

“The rivers should be cleaned of the sewage and drainage let into them, which is affecting both the ecology of the river and the sea. Sewage treatment plants have to be established at a distance of 20 to 25 km from the city in an area of 50 to 100 acre. The treated water should be utilised for agricultural purposes,” the First Bench of Acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh and Justice R.M.T. Teekaa Raman said.

The Bench noted that restoration of the rivers to their past glory was important so that the public could use them for boating and other recreational purposes, and residents of adjoining localities would get unpolluted air and an environment free of health hazards.

Suggesting that the State government approach the Central government for financial assistance, the Bench posted the plea to June 30 for the government to file its response.

Parking space in hotels

The First Bench initiated the suo motu proceeding while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition moved by S. Ragu of Vyasarpadi seeking closure of hotels and restaurants till they provide parking space, open space and fire safety facilities within their premises.

On February 11, the First Bench headed by the then Chief Justice S.K. Kaul directed the authorities to shut down eateries that did not have adequate parking space.

When the PIL came up for hearing before the present Bench headed by the Acting Chief Justice, the Chennai Hotels Association, which has moved an impleading petition, contended that several of the restaurants/eateries in the city were established several decades ago with proper trade licences.

Calling upon them to suddenly provide car parking facilities in crowded areas of the city is tantamount to directing their closure as it would be impossible for these restaurant owners to provide vacant premises near their facilities purely for car parking.

Recording the submissions, the Bench directed the Chennai Corporation to file a counter affidavit to the submissions and posted the PIL to April 13 for further hearing.