The Hindu 18.03.2010
More funds for development of wards
Staff Reporter
MEASURES GALORE: Discussion on the Chennai Corporation budget in progress on Wednesday.
CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation has increased the Ward Development Scheme Funds for councillors from Rs.25 lakh to Rs.30 lakh.
The decision was taken following requests from council members, Mayor M.Subramanian said during a discussion on 2010-2011 budget of the Chennai Corporation on Wednesday.
Digital maps pertaining to the construction of stormwater drains in each ward would be displayed at ward offices, he said. A total of Rs.250 crore was allocated in the budget for implementation of integrated stormwater drainage.
In the current fiscal, a total of 29 km of stormwater drains had been completed at a cost of Rs.24 crore and 7 km of stormwater drains are under construction at an estimated cost of Rs.7.5 crore. The Corporation and the Public Works Department, under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, are responsible for the construction of integrated stormwater drainage, at a cost of Rs.1,448 crore.
The Mayor said a Chennai Primary School would be inaugurated in Nungambakkam. Laboratories would be constructed in all schools which would be upgraded. Thirty minutes have been allocated for library session in schools.
New school bus for industrial visit, small mechanical sweepers and tricycles for fogging operations were the other announcements made on Wednesday.
The civic body is planning to take measures to relieve traffic congestion caused by vehicles parked near Arignar Anna Hospital on Anna Nagar Third Avenue, Mr. Subramanian said. There was a proposal to construct a shopping complex in the area.
Two grass courts for lawn tennis would be developed and training would be provided free to poor youths. The Robinson Park playground would also be developed.
The civic body would form a swimming team by selecting the best swimmers among youths in Chennai and impart advanced training in its swimming pools to equip them for international competitions.
