The Hindu 26.09.2009
Corporation not to permit road cuts from October to January
Staff Reporter
| Mayor addresses meeting on monsoon preparedness |
CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation will not permit road cuts, including by government departments, from October 1 to January, according to Mayor M. Subramanian.
Addressing a coordination meeting on monsoon preparedness on Friday, he said even small road cuts could lead to accidents during rain. “We need about a week for road repairs and therefore October 1 is the cut off date,” he said. Already around 220 km of roads in the city have been cut.
Mr. Subramanian urged the Metrowater to raise the height of manholes on concrete roads, to increase the quantity of chlorine in drinking water and make sewage pumping stations function round the clock during monsoon. Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni urged the Fisheries and Agriculture and Fire and Rescue Services Departments to arrange adequate motors for pumping out water and boats to rescue stranded persons. The Metrowater was urged to ensure proper functioning of its sewage pumping stations in critical areas. The Mayor told the TNEB to form special squads to ensure that there are no electric shocks in spots where water stagnates. He directed the Highways Department to desilt its stormwater drains on Anna Salai and Poonamallee High Road and complete stormwater drain work on Jawaharlal Nehru Road.
Mr. Subramanian asked the Revenue Department officials to help remove obstructions on the Adyar at Keerai Thottam in Saidapet and at three spots on Virugambakkam Canal. The MRTS was asked to desilt blocks on Buckingham Canal beneath its service road. The Southern Railway has been directed to desilt Ainsley Canal and ICF Canal.
