Do our smart city projects come at the cost of green cover?
Several trees have been cut in T Nagar to pave the way for road development under the Chennai Smart City projects. Greater Chennai Corporation is building a pedestrian plaza from Anna Salai to Bashyam Road near Panagal Park, covering a stretch of 1.45 km. Residents, traders and NGOs have criticized Chennai Corporation’s lackadaisical attitude towards conservation of trees and allege that work for the plaza has started without any survey or census of trees in the area.
Source: The Hindu | The Times of India
Two new sewage treatment plants to come up in the city
To handle the increasing sewage outflow in the city, Chennai Metrowater is setting up new treatment plants in Sholinganallur and Tiruvottiyur. With this the city’s STP capacity will be expanded by the addition of 85 MLD (million litres per day) to the existing capacity to treat 732 MLD. The Tiruvottiyur plant is likely to be fully functional in three months and the Shollinganallur plant will be functional in January 2019.
Source: New Indian Express
Ground water level dips in the city
The average ground water level in the city has dipped by one meter compared to June last year according to a study conducted by Rain Centre, a voluntary organisation. In Anna Nagar and Virugambakkam, the water level has dipped to nearly 7 metres below ground level. The water table remains between 5 metres and 6 metres below ground level in Mylapore, Chamiers Road and Koyambedu. Though the dip levels might not be alarming yet, systematic rain water harvesting will definitely help in increasing the water table level in the future.
Source: The Hindu
Nature trail along the banks of Cooum
Soon morning walkers can walk on an elevated board measuring 1.65 m in width, to be developed amidst lush greenery, along the Cooum. The nature trail, a Rs 9.82 cr project, is being modelled on the San Antonio River Walk in the U.S. The state’s first urban trail is coming up between the College Road bridge in Nungambakkam and the Munroe bridge in Chetpet.
Source: The Hindu
