Monday, September 29, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: RTI activist’s building sealed after he exposed Ch...
writingonblog uncensored: RTI activist’s building sealed after he exposed Ch...: C Shivakumar Chennai: A RTI activist’s building was sealed by Chennai Corporation officials without any prior notice on July 26, 2014 a...
RTI activist’s building sealed after he exposed Chennai Corporation authorities failure to act against illegal buildings
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
A RTI activist’s building was sealed by Chennai Corporation officials
without any prior notice on July 26, 2014 after his petitions exposed
the authorities turning blind eye to five illegal multi-storied
buildings in Sowcarpet.
J Prasamal, who also owns the single-floor commercial building, says
the action was taken by Corporation officials after they were issued
charge memo by then executive engineer Sundaresan on July 17 based on
the complaint by Parasmal for failing to initiate action against the
five multi-storied buildings.
The charge memo was issued against assistant executive engineer
Sundarrajan and Area engineer Lawrence for failing to act on the
buildings. The five illegal buildings are located in Thatha Muthiappan
Street, Audiappa Naicken Street, Narayana Mudalali Street, Mint Street
and Varadha Muthiappan Street.
The five illegal buildings are six-storied buildings and one of them
was sealed by Chennai Corporation. As per norms, Chennai Corporation
has powers to approve building with two floors only. But in this case
all these buildings were six-storeyed buildings. The additional floors
were built without any clearance from Chennai Metropolitan Development
Authority, which is the only authority to grant permission for multi-storeyed buildings.
Interestingly, after Parasmal raised the issue, one of the
building located in Thatha Muthiappan Street.
But what surprised him was that his single-storied building was sealed by the
authorities without giving any notice.
When he sought why prior notice was not issued to him, (as stated in
the flex on his building), the officials ignored him. “Regional deputy
commissioner Zone V Lakshmy refused to meet me three times when I
demanded the notice,” he said.
Interestingly, Parasmal’s building had a minor deviation as he had
built a mezzanine floor. A notice was issued on 2008 and subsequently
on February 11, 2012. Following the notice on 2012, Parasmal sent in
his reply on July 16, 2013, that his building was inspected by then
executive engineer K Muniappan on February 21, 2012. In the letter the
official stated there is no construction activity at present.
Interestingly, Chennai Corporation officials did not reply to his
letter for the last one year. Then all of a sudden on July 26, 2014
without issuing a notice to him or a de-occupation notice issued to
his tenant, Arvind of Arvind Impex, the building was sealed.
“It is high-handedness of Chennai Corporation officials who have been
mute spectator to illegal buildings mushrooming in Sowcarpet,” he
said.
Interestingly, when he sought the notice through RTI, Chennai
Corporation officials affixed a note by Regional Deputy Commissioner
(North) which vaguely highlights a complaint by one Jayantilal and a
petition by Traffic Ramasamy against Sowcarpet buildings. The answer
to the RTI query never states that a notice was issued to Parasmal.
When Express contacted Chennai Corporation’s official Lawrence, he
said Chennai Corporation had given the notice but Parasmal did not
receive it. Parasamal said it is total lie. “Why would I file RTIs and
wait at regional deputy commissioner’s office seeking the notice which
till now they evaded,” he said.
Chennai:
A RTI activist’s building was sealed by Chennai Corporation officials
without any prior notice on July 26, 2014 after his petitions exposed
the authorities turning blind eye to five illegal multi-storied
buildings in Sowcarpet.
J Prasamal, who also owns the single-floor commercial building, says
the action was taken by Corporation officials after they were issued
charge memo by then executive engineer Sundaresan on July 17 based on
the complaint by Parasmal for failing to initiate action against the
five multi-storied buildings.
The charge memo was issued against assistant executive engineer
Sundarrajan and Area engineer Lawrence for failing to act on the
buildings. The five illegal buildings are located in Thatha Muthiappan
Street, Audiappa Naicken Street, Narayana Mudalali Street, Mint Street
and Varadha Muthiappan Street.
The five illegal buildings are six-storied buildings and one of them
was sealed by Chennai Corporation. As per norms, Chennai Corporation
has powers to approve building with two floors only. But in this case
all these buildings were six-storeyed buildings. The additional floors
were built without any clearance from Chennai Metropolitan Development
Authority, which is the only authority to grant permission for multi-storeyed buildings.
Interestingly, after Parasmal raised the issue, one of the
building located in Thatha Muthiappan Street.
But what surprised him was that his single-storied building was sealed by the
authorities without giving any notice.
When he sought why prior notice was not issued to him, (as stated in
the flex on his building), the officials ignored him. “Regional deputy
commissioner Zone V Lakshmy refused to meet me three times when I
demanded the notice,” he said.
Interestingly, Parasmal’s building had a minor deviation as he had
built a mezzanine floor. A notice was issued on 2008 and subsequently
on February 11, 2012. Following the notice on 2012, Parasmal sent in
his reply on July 16, 2013, that his building was inspected by then
executive engineer K Muniappan on February 21, 2012. In the letter the
official stated there is no construction activity at present.
Interestingly, Chennai Corporation officials did not reply to his
letter for the last one year. Then all of a sudden on July 26, 2014
without issuing a notice to him or a de-occupation notice issued to
his tenant, Arvind of Arvind Impex, the building was sealed.
“It is high-handedness of Chennai Corporation officials who have been
mute spectator to illegal buildings mushrooming in Sowcarpet,” he
said.
Interestingly, when he sought the notice through RTI, Chennai
Corporation officials affixed a note by Regional Deputy Commissioner
(North) which vaguely highlights a complaint by one Jayantilal and a
petition by Traffic Ramasamy against Sowcarpet buildings. The answer
to the RTI query never states that a notice was issued to Parasmal.
When Express contacted Chennai Corporation’s official Lawrence, he
said Chennai Corporation had given the notice but Parasmal did not
receive it. Parasamal said it is total lie. “Why would I file RTIs and
wait at regional deputy commissioner’s office seeking the notice which
till now they evaded,” he said.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: CBI files chargesheet against ex-VC of IMU in disp...
writingonblog uncensored: CBI files chargesheet against ex-VC of IMU in disp...: Chennai: Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against P Vijayan, former vice-chancellor of Indian Maritime Universit...
writingonblog uncensored: CBI files chargesheet against ex-VC of IMU in disp...
writingonblog uncensored: CBI files chargesheet against ex-VC of IMU in disp...: Chennai: Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against P Vijayan, former vice-chancellor of Indian Maritime Universit...
CBI files chargesheet against ex-VC of IMU in disproportionate assets case
Chennai:
Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against P
Vijayan, former vice-chancellor of Indian Maritime University, and his
wife Anitha in a disproportionate assets case.
CBI sources told Express that the chargesheet against Vijayan and his
wife was filed on Tuesday. Vijayan is facing charges of acquiring
wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Interestingly, the case against Vijayan, who was the first vice
chancellor of the university, was registered in early 2011. CBI had
forwarded a request to the shipping ministry to act against him.
However, since the ministry did not give any clearance no action was
initiated.
Sources said the sanction has now been accorded now to proceed against
Vijayan, who was appointed as vice-chancellor of the university by the
shipping ministry under T R Baalu in 2008. The CBI registered the case
towards the end of his three-year tenure.
CBI sources said that the chargesheet was filed under section 13 (2)
for criminal misconduct and 13 (1) e (property disproportionate to his
known source of income) of Prevention of Corruption Act. Section 13(2)
in The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
It is learnt that the Indian Maritime University has forgone Rs 22
crore affiliation dues from 35 private institutes since 2008. IMU has
given maximum number of affiliations in its first three years, during
the tenure of former vice chancellor P Vijayan. It is learnt from the
University sources that the then administration failed to collect even
the initial fee from institutes, which is around Rs 20 lakh per course
for student strength of 40.
Friday, September 26, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: China army delegation visits Eastern command headq...
writingonblog uncensored: China army delegation visits Eastern command headq...: Kolkata: A seven-member People's Liberation Army (PLA) delegation from China, led by Political Commissar, Chengdu Military Area Com...
China army delegation visits Eastern command headquarters
A seven-member People's Liberation Army (PLA) delegation from China, led by Political Commissar, Chengdu Military Area Command, Lieutenant General Zhu Fuxi, arrived on a two-day visit to Headquarters Eastern Command of the Indian Army.
The visit is among a series of initiatives taken by both armies to ensure better understanding of each other and to ensure peace and tranquility on the border between the two countries.
Eastern Command is responsible for a large stretch of border with China and the interaction was between Lieutenant General Zhu Fuzi, Political Commissar, Chengdu Military Area Command and Lieutenant General MMS Rai, Army Commander, Eastern Command.
The interaction was aimed at enhancing the 'confidence building measures' (CBM) along the Sino-Indian border.
The visit is also aimed at further strengthening the bond of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their armies.
The visit facilitated resolving issues of mutual concern through discussion, dialogue and upholding principles of mutual trust and respect, which both countries have long cherished.
The delegation also visited a few landmark tourist attractions in the city including Victoria Memorial and the National Museum.
writingonblog uncensored: Fraudster wanted in US nabbed by CBI
writingonblog uncensored: Fraudster wanted in US nabbed by CBI: Chennai: A person who was wanted in the United States for fraud in securities and identity fraud was arrested by Central Bureau of Inves...
Fraudster wanted in US nabbed by CBI
Chennai:
A person who was wanted in the United States for fraud in securities
and identity fraud was arrested by Central Bureau of Investigation and
is likely to be extradited
CBI arrested C Ramanathan from Vadinaniyoor in Sivaganga district. CBI said
the person was under Red Corner Notice in the fraud for allegedly
transferring US dollars fraudulently using travellers cheque without
authorization.
Interestingly, CBI was also on the lookout for Ramanathan for his
involvement in the case causing alleged loss of Rs 78 crore to
government exchequer.
CBI said he was absconding since 2009 from the trial of this fraud and
the case was split up against him. CBI had registered a case on
September 23, 2003 and filed a chargesheet on June 30, 2005 against
three accused and a private firm under section 120-B r/w. 419, 420,
467, 468 and 471 Indian Penal Code substantive offences thereof in the
Court of ACMM, Egmore, Chennai.
Ramanathan was produced before additional chief metropolitan
magistrate, Egmore, and remanded to judicial custody till October 7.
It is also learnt that for a fraud in securities and aggravated
identity fraud, he is under Warrant from the District Court of
Nebraska, USA.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued Red Corner Notice with
the Interpol and has initiated extradition request against him. The
extradition request is under process with Union Government, CBI said.
A person who was wanted in the United States for fraud in securities
and identity fraud was arrested by Central Bureau of Investigation and
is likely to be extradited
CBI arrested C Ramanathan from Vadinaniyoor in Sivaganga district. CBI said
the person was under Red Corner Notice in the fraud for allegedly
transferring US dollars fraudulently using travellers cheque without
authorization.
Interestingly, CBI was also on the lookout for Ramanathan for his
involvement in the case causing alleged loss of Rs 78 crore to
government exchequer.
CBI said he was absconding since 2009 from the trial of this fraud and
the case was split up against him. CBI had registered a case on
September 23, 2003 and filed a chargesheet on June 30, 2005 against
three accused and a private firm under section 120-B r/w. 419, 420,
467, 468 and 471 Indian Penal Code substantive offences thereof in the
Court of ACMM, Egmore, Chennai.
Ramanathan was produced before additional chief metropolitan
magistrate, Egmore, and remanded to judicial custody till October 7.
It is also learnt that for a fraud in securities and aggravated
identity fraud, he is under Warrant from the District Court of
Nebraska, USA.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued Red Corner Notice with
the Interpol and has initiated extradition request against him. The
extradition request is under process with Union Government, CBI said.
writingonblog uncensored: New poverty alleviation scheme to cover 4,041 citi...
writingonblog uncensored: New poverty alleviation scheme to cover 4,041 citi...: Rs 1,000 crore scheme's key focus is to develop skills of 5 lakh urban poor New Delhi: The BJP government has unveiled a new povert...
New poverty alleviation scheme to cover 4,041 cities
Rs 1,000 crore scheme's key focus is to
develop skills of 5 lakh urban poor
New Delhi:
The BJP government has unveiled a new poverty alleviation scheme which will cater to entire urban population.
Termed as ‘Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – DAY’, the scheme, under which Rs.1,000 cr has been provisioned for urban poverty alleviation during 2014-15, will cater to 4,041 statutory cities and towns.
The Government announced an overarching scheme for uplift of urban and rural poor through enhancement of livelihood opportunities through skill development and other means. The scheme has been named as ‘Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – DAY’.
The announcement was made by M Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Rural Development at a National Convention on Skills for Rural and Urban Poor.
Under the current urban poverty alleviation programmes, only 790 cities and towns are covered and the government has decided to extend these measures to all the 4,041 statutory cities and towns, there by covering almost the entire urban population, the ministers stated.
Announcing the details of urban component of DAY, Naidu said of the sanctioned funds,Rs.500 cr will be spent on skill development of over 5,00,000 urban poor.
He said, for realizing the ‘Make in India’ objective, skill development is essential. He observed that “If India is to emerge as the manufacturing base to meet global needs, the only certain way is to empower every youth of the country with the necessary skills. Skill development has multiple outcomes including enhancing employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth and promoting self-worth of beneficiaries.’’
The urban component of DAY, focus will be on:
1.Imparting skills with an expenditure of Rs.15,000 – Rs.18,000 on each urban poor;
2.Promotion of self-employment through setting up individual micro-enterprises and group enterprises with interest subsidy for individual projects costing Rs.2.00 lakhs and Rs.10.00 lakhs for group enterprises. Subsidized interest rate will be 7 per cent;
3.Training urban poor to meet the huge demand from urban citizens by imparting market oriented skills through City Livelihood Centres. Each Centre would be given a capital grant of Rs.10.00 lakhs.
4.Enabling urban poor form Self-Help Groups for meeting financial and social needs with a support of Rs.10,000/- per each group who would in turn would be helped with bank linkages;
5. Development of vendor markets besides promotion of skills of vendors; and
6. Construction of permanent shelters for urban homeless and provision of other essential services.
develop skills of 5 lakh urban poor
New Delhi:
The BJP government has unveiled a new poverty alleviation scheme which will cater to entire urban population.
Termed as ‘Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – DAY’, the scheme, under which Rs.1,000 cr has been provisioned for urban poverty alleviation during 2014-15, will cater to 4,041 statutory cities and towns.
The Government announced an overarching scheme for uplift of urban and rural poor through enhancement of livelihood opportunities through skill development and other means. The scheme has been named as ‘Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – DAY’.
The announcement was made by M Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Rural Development at a National Convention on Skills for Rural and Urban Poor.
Under the current urban poverty alleviation programmes, only 790 cities and towns are covered and the government has decided to extend these measures to all the 4,041 statutory cities and towns, there by covering almost the entire urban population, the ministers stated.
Announcing the details of urban component of DAY, Naidu said of the sanctioned funds,Rs.500 cr will be spent on skill development of over 5,00,000 urban poor.
He said, for realizing the ‘Make in India’ objective, skill development is essential. He observed that “If India is to emerge as the manufacturing base to meet global needs, the only certain way is to empower every youth of the country with the necessary skills. Skill development has multiple outcomes including enhancing employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth and promoting self-worth of beneficiaries.’’
The urban component of DAY, focus will be on:
1.Imparting skills with an expenditure of Rs.15,000 – Rs.18,000 on each urban poor;
2.Promotion of self-employment through setting up individual micro-enterprises and group enterprises with interest subsidy for individual projects costing Rs.2.00 lakhs and Rs.10.00 lakhs for group enterprises. Subsidized interest rate will be 7 per cent;
3.Training urban poor to meet the huge demand from urban citizens by imparting market oriented skills through City Livelihood Centres. Each Centre would be given a capital grant of Rs.10.00 lakhs.
4.Enabling urban poor form Self-Help Groups for meeting financial and social needs with a support of Rs.10,000/- per each group who would in turn would be helped with bank linkages;
5. Development of vendor markets besides promotion of skills of vendors; and
6. Construction of permanent shelters for urban homeless and provision of other essential services.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: Over Rs.62,000 cr to be spent on ensuring cleanlin...
writingonblog uncensored: Over Rs.62,000 cr to be spent on ensuring cleanlin...: Prime Minister to launch the Mission for clean India on Oct 2 New Delhi: Ahead of the launch of ‘Swasth Bharat Mission’ by Prime Minist...
writingonblog uncensored: Over Rs.62,000 cr to be spent on ensuring cleanlin...
writingonblog uncensored: Over Rs.62,000 cr to be spent on ensuring cleanlin...: Prime Minister to launch the Mission for clean India on Oct 2 New Delhi: Ahead of the launch of ‘Swasth Bharat Mission’ by Prime Minist...
Over Rs.62,000 cr to be spent on ensuring cleanliness in urban areas
Prime Minister to launch the Mission for clean India on Oct 2
New Delhi: Ahead of the launch of ‘Swasth Bharat Mission’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the LOGO for the five year long cleanliness mission was today unveiled by M.Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Urban Development and Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Rural Development and Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation here on Thursday.
Explaining the features of the Logo, Naidu said, the spectacles of Mahatma with its bridge in the Tricolor signifies the nation uniting to achieve the vision of Mahama for a Clean India. He further said, for the Mahatma, cleanliness and India were like his two eyes through which he envisioned a clean India. The Minister recalled Gandhiji saying that ‘Cleanliness is Godliness’ and ‘Sanitation is more important than political freedom.’
From the ideas received from the public, the pictorial depiction of Gandhiji’s spectacles with ‘Swachh Bharat’ written on the glasses suggested by Anant Khasbardar of Kolhapur, Maharashtra was chosen by the government. The tag line of ‘Ek Kadam Swachhata Ki Ore’ was suggested by Bhagyasri Sheth of Rajkot, Gujarat. They will be rewarded with Rs.50,000/- and Rs.25,000/- respectively.
Naidu said, Prime Minister is keen about building a “Jan Andolan” during the next five years to realise clean India by 2nd October, 2019 the day that marks the 150th birthday of Mahatma, as a befitting tribute to Gandhiji. Giving details of the efforts being made by the government in this regard, Naidu said he personally spoke to all the Governors and Chief Ministers besides addressing letters to spiritual and religious leaders, all Members of Parliament, trade and industrial bodies, iconic personalities to take lead in creating a people’s movement for clean India. He said, a massive campaign will be launched in the national capital with pro-active involvement of over 60 agencies.
Naidu informed that while launching the cleanliness campaign, Prime Minister would administer a ‘Cleanliness Pledge’ at a public function on Gandhi Jayanti. Naidu appealed to all government employees and the public to take the pledge likewise.
Naidu informed that as per the approval of the Union Cabinet for the Swasth Bharat Mission last evening, an expenditure of Rs.62,009 cr would be spent on cleanliness in urban areas over the next five years. He said, the focus would be on- elimination of open defecation, conversion of insanitary latrines into pour flush toilets, eradication of manual scavenging, prevention of pollution of water sources, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene in public areas, awareness generation and capacity building.
Naidu said, over 104 lakh household toilets would be constructed besides 2.52 lakh seats as community toilets and 2.56 lakh seats as public toilets. Over 30 cr people would be helped in solid waste management.
The Minister informed that centre’s share of expenditure would be Rs.14,623 cr and the rest would be mobilized through Public Private Partnership by States and urban local bodies, from private sector, levy of user charges, Corporate Social Responsibility, Swachh Bharat Kosh and other innovative measures.
writingonblog uncensored: TNHB prepares layout for Rs 2,160 cr Thirumazhisai...
writingonblog uncensored: TNHB prepares layout for Rs 2,160 cr Thirumazhisai...: First phase to have 9,700 residential flats C Shivakumar Chennai: The phase-I scheme of proposed Rs 2,160 crore satellite township at ...
TNHB prepares layout for Rs 2,160 cr Thirumazhisai Township Project
First phase to have 9,700 residential flats
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The phase-I scheme of proposed Rs 2,160 crore satellite township at
Thirumazhisai in Thiruvallur district got a boost as Tamil Nadu
Housing Board has started preparing conceptual layout for 138 acres
with 9700 residential flats.
The project, which was announced in 2011 failed to get started
after officials complained of land acquisition and technical glitches
in the Government Order issued on March 2012.
TNHB sources said that action has been taken for preparing conceptual
layout for the phase I satellite township project in Kuthumbakkam with
infrastructural facilities.
Sources also said the tender for filling the low lying area and
construction of retaining wall has been received and it will be placed
before the board meeting to be held on Wednesday for acceptance.
Sources also said that the proposal for seeking modification of the
Government Order to implement the proposed scheme in phased manner
under self-finance scheme instead of public private partnership, is
under scrutiny by the government.
Meanwhile, Anna University has carried out soil test for preparing
structural design for the proposed elevated corridor from National
Highway (NH4) linking the project. The estimate for the proposed
elevated corridor from NH4 is under process, TNHB sources said.
It is learnt that there are 35 writ petitions seeking reconveyance of
land and 14 writ petitions challenging land acquisitions are pending
before the court. Sources said a petition has already been filed
before the National Green Tribunal southern bench to not to disturb
the water course in the existing 12.65 acres of government land which
is alienated to TNHB for forming approach road. The case has been
posted to November 26, 2014.
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The phase-I scheme of proposed Rs 2,160 crore satellite township at
Thirumazhisai in Thiruvallur district got a boost as Tamil Nadu
Housing Board has started preparing conceptual layout for 138 acres
with 9700 residential flats.
The project, which was announced in 2011 failed to get started
after officials complained of land acquisition and technical glitches
in the Government Order issued on March 2012.
TNHB sources said that action has been taken for preparing conceptual
layout for the phase I satellite township project in Kuthumbakkam with
infrastructural facilities.
Sources also said the tender for filling the low lying area and
construction of retaining wall has been received and it will be placed
before the board meeting to be held on Wednesday for acceptance.
Sources also said that the proposal for seeking modification of the
Government Order to implement the proposed scheme in phased manner
under self-finance scheme instead of public private partnership, is
under scrutiny by the government.
Meanwhile, Anna University has carried out soil test for preparing
structural design for the proposed elevated corridor from National
Highway (NH4) linking the project. The estimate for the proposed
elevated corridor from NH4 is under process, TNHB sources said.
It is learnt that there are 35 writ petitions seeking reconveyance of
land and 14 writ petitions challenging land acquisitions are pending
before the court. Sources said a petition has already been filed
before the National Green Tribunal southern bench to not to disturb
the water course in the existing 12.65 acres of government land which
is alienated to TNHB for forming approach road. The case has been
posted to November 26, 2014.
writingonblog uncensored: Cabinet approves India's participation in the Thir...
writingonblog uncensored: Cabinet approves India's participation in the Thir...: Chennai: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for India's participation in the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) Project at Mauna...
Cabinet approves India's participation in the Thirty Metre Global Telescope Project in Hawaii
Chennai:
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for India's
participation in the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) Project at Mauna Kea, Hawaii,
USA at a total cost of Rs. 1299.8 crore from 2014-23.
The TMT will be constructed at a cost of US$ 1.47 billion
(in 2012 Base Year Dollars) by an international consortium consisting of
institutions from the USA, Canada, Japan, India and China. From the Indian
side, this will be a joint project of the Department of Science and Technology
(DST) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). With its contributions, India
will be a 10 percent partner in the project and 70 percent of its contributions
will be "in kind".
This will translate into 25 to 30 observing nights on the
telescope for Indian scientists per year.
This will enable Indian scientists to access a
state-of-the-art telescope to answer some of the most fundamental questions in
modern science. Indian institutions and industry will acquire or gain access to
sophisticated technologies of relevance to the country. India will also become
a founding member of an important international scientific project.
The TMT will enable scientists to study fainter objects
far away from us in the Universe, which gives information about early stages of
the evolution of the Universe.
It will also give finer details of not-so-far-away
objects such as undiscovered planets and other objects in the Solar System and
planets around other stars. This partnership will also enhance India’s
technological capabilities in high-technology areas such as primary mirror
segment figuring and polishing, mirror support system and edge sensor assembly
and testing, software for observatory controls, data analysis pipelines,
adaptive optics techniques etc.
The TMT will be one of the largest optical-infrared
telescopes to come up in the next decade. Its 30 metre diameter primary mirror
will consist of 492 segments of 1.44 metre diameter each. These mirror segments
will be cleverly positioned relative to each other through sophisticated
sensors, actuators and control systems, so that the entire assembly behaves
like single monolithic mirror.
Its performance will be further improved by employing
"adaptive optics" techniques thereby achieving performance as if the
telescope is located above the Earth's atmosphere.
This will be a national project anchored in the Indian
Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore and led by IIA, Aryabhatta Research
Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital and Inter-University
Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune.
It will leverage the best of science and technology from
wherever available in the country - from R&D institutions, higher
educational institutions and industry. All interested scientists from the
country will get time on the TMT for their scientific studies on competitive
basis.
The implementation of the project will be overseen by a
high-level Executive Council co-chaired by Secretary, Department of Science and
Technology and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of
Atomic Energy.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: Chennai faces threat to drinking water sources as ...
writingonblog uncensored: Chennai faces threat to drinking water sources as ...: Industries oppose amendment to new town planning amendment C Shivakumar Chennai: Wetlands and catchment areas of the city and areas around...
Chennai faces threat to drinking water sources as wetlands, catchment areas converted into industrial or residential layouts
Industries oppose amendment to new town planning amendment
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
Wetlands and catchment areas of the city and areas around Kancheepuram
district are slowly being converted into industrial or residential
layouts without the approval of Chennai Metropolitan Development
Authority or Directorate of Town and Country Planning posing threat to
city’s drinking water needs.
This comes in the wake of Supreme Court issuing notice to the Centre
and state to preserve the wetlands. Even the development regulations
of Second Master plan state that Red Hills and Puzhalal lake are main
sources of water supply to the city.
In order to protect this water source from the negating fact of urban
development, contiguous areas in the catchments of these lakes has
been declared as catchment area restricted for development, sources
said.
There are 27 villages covered along the catchment area and these
should not be developed. But unfortunately 70 per cent of the villages
have been developed along the catchment areas not only for residential
but also industrial purposes.
It is learnt that residential layouts are mushrooming in the catchment
area of Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur district, Cholavaram and other
catchment areas besides industrial layouts in the wetlands of
Kancheepuram without the concurrence of town planning authorities.
Sources told Express that the fault lies with the authorities in
delegating powers to local bodies including the panchayats, who lack
any idea about town planning, to grant planning permission.
It is learnt that most of the residential layouts in catchments areas
as well as wetlands is due to the approval of panchayats. There were
at times when the DTCP or CMDA refused to entertain the plan on
wetland or catchment areas but then it was overridden by the
panchayats who give their stamp of approval.
Even the banks without checking the land use pattern or without
concurrence of CMDA and DTCP or other appropriate authority approvals
agree to provide loans, a source said.
Interestingly, the amendment to town and country planning act 1971 by
inserting section 47 A to regulate the development in the non plan
area and with a view to conserve wet lands in the state and also to
regulate the conversion of wet lands into other uses has put many
industries and developers in a dilemma.
Sources revealed that most of the industries that got approval from
industrial guidance bureau to set up industries are now seeking
exemption of no-objection certificate from district collector for
converting wetland to industrial development.
Interestingly, most of the proposals, including a 100 acre industrial
project of a tyre company on wetland in Kolathur taluk of
Sriperumbudur that came up during DMK regime, is awaiting clearance
from DTCP.
It is learnt most of the constructions by industries could be termed
as illegal as they have mushroomed without any valid permission even
though they were in existence long back.
It is learnt industries have opposed Section 47 A that forces them to
approach DTCP for approval after getting clearance from Panchayats.
Earlier Industrial factory building norms were set by inspector of
factories. Based on that approval, panchayats gave necessary
approvals.
Sources say that with the apex court firm on wetlands not to be used
for construction purpose, it will be difficult for industries as well
as developers to convert it into concrete blocks.
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
Wetlands and catchment areas of the city and areas around Kancheepuram
district are slowly being converted into industrial or residential
layouts without the approval of Chennai Metropolitan Development
Authority or Directorate of Town and Country Planning posing threat to
city’s drinking water needs.
This comes in the wake of Supreme Court issuing notice to the Centre
and state to preserve the wetlands. Even the development regulations
of Second Master plan state that Red Hills and Puzhalal lake are main
sources of water supply to the city.
In order to protect this water source from the negating fact of urban
development, contiguous areas in the catchments of these lakes has
been declared as catchment area restricted for development, sources
said.
There are 27 villages covered along the catchment area and these
should not be developed. But unfortunately 70 per cent of the villages
have been developed along the catchment areas not only for residential
but also industrial purposes.
It is learnt that residential layouts are mushrooming in the catchment
area of Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur district, Cholavaram and other
catchment areas besides industrial layouts in the wetlands of
Kancheepuram without the concurrence of town planning authorities.
Sources told Express that the fault lies with the authorities in
delegating powers to local bodies including the panchayats, who lack
any idea about town planning, to grant planning permission.
It is learnt that most of the residential layouts in catchments areas
as well as wetlands is due to the approval of panchayats. There were
at times when the DTCP or CMDA refused to entertain the plan on
wetland or catchment areas but then it was overridden by the
panchayats who give their stamp of approval.
Even the banks without checking the land use pattern or without
concurrence of CMDA and DTCP or other appropriate authority approvals
agree to provide loans, a source said.
Interestingly, the amendment to town and country planning act 1971 by
inserting section 47 A to regulate the development in the non plan
area and with a view to conserve wet lands in the state and also to
regulate the conversion of wet lands into other uses has put many
industries and developers in a dilemma.
Sources revealed that most of the industries that got approval from
industrial guidance bureau to set up industries are now seeking
exemption of no-objection certificate from district collector for
converting wetland to industrial development.
Interestingly, most of the proposals, including a 100 acre industrial
project of a tyre company on wetland in Kolathur taluk of
Sriperumbudur that came up during DMK regime, is awaiting clearance
from DTCP.
It is learnt most of the constructions by industries could be termed
as illegal as they have mushroomed without any valid permission even
though they were in existence long back.
It is learnt industries have opposed Section 47 A that forces them to
approach DTCP for approval after getting clearance from Panchayats.
Earlier Industrial factory building norms were set by inspector of
factories. Based on that approval, panchayats gave necessary
approvals.
Sources say that with the apex court firm on wetlands not to be used
for construction purpose, it will be difficult for industries as well
as developers to convert it into concrete blocks.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: New special grade water treatment plant in Perungu...
writingonblog uncensored: New special grade water treatment plant in Perungu...: Rs 57 lakh plant to be ready by November Chennai: In a bid to conserve the ground water resources which is being tapped by the constru...
New special grade water treatment plant in Perungudi to supply water for construction sector
Rs 57 lakh plant to be ready by November
Chennai:
In a bid to conserve the ground water resources which is being tapped
by the construction sector, Chennai Metro Water is planning to
construct a special grade water treatment plant in Perungudi to supply
water for construction activities.
A Metro Water spokesman said that the new plant, built at a cost of Rs
56.6 lakh, would produce six lakh litres of special grade per day for
construction purposes and is likely to be commissioned on November.
Metro water will be charging Rs 20 per kilo litre for supply of
special construction grade water at the filling point and
transportation will have to be arranged by the consumers, the
spokesman said.
Interestingly, the scheme was being worked out to protect the ground
water resources. On an average the city requires 20 lakh litres of
water for construction purposes, the spokesman said.
He said the aim of the plant is to cater to the requirements of IT
corridor, where construction activities are in progress for promoting
educational institutions, IT parks, multi-storied buildings,
residential apartments and commercial establishments. It is believed
the requirements of major construction sites in IT corridor is six
lakh litres of water per day, the spokesman said.
Currently, the construction sector is relying on ground water which is
not meeting the required quality specification. This is also resulting
in the depletion of ground water table. This has resulted in the state
government working out alternate source of water which meets the
quality norms for use in concrete industry, the spokesman said.
This will ensure supply of water for construction purpose irrespective
of monsoon failure besides save the amount of fresh water that is
being tapped from lakes, borewells and rainfed lakes.
The spokesman said that the revenue realized from the waste water will
be used to meet the expenditure towards treatment of waste water.
Currently, 100 MLD of secondary treated water is available at
Perungudi sewage treatment plant and the water is being used for
gardening purposes by Chennai corporation and Tamil nadu road
Development Corporation. Though this water is water is suitable for
construction purpose, Metro water is constructing the additional
treatment plant to treat secondary treated water so as to achieve the
required quality for production of concrete but also safe handling of
water.
Chennai:
In a bid to conserve the ground water resources which is being tapped
by the construction sector, Chennai Metro Water is planning to
construct a special grade water treatment plant in Perungudi to supply
water for construction activities.
A Metro Water spokesman said that the new plant, built at a cost of Rs
56.6 lakh, would produce six lakh litres of special grade per day for
construction purposes and is likely to be commissioned on November.
Metro water will be charging Rs 20 per kilo litre for supply of
special construction grade water at the filling point and
transportation will have to be arranged by the consumers, the
spokesman said.
Interestingly, the scheme was being worked out to protect the ground
water resources. On an average the city requires 20 lakh litres of
water for construction purposes, the spokesman said.
He said the aim of the plant is to cater to the requirements of IT
corridor, where construction activities are in progress for promoting
educational institutions, IT parks, multi-storied buildings,
residential apartments and commercial establishments. It is believed
the requirements of major construction sites in IT corridor is six
lakh litres of water per day, the spokesman said.
Currently, the construction sector is relying on ground water which is
not meeting the required quality specification. This is also resulting
in the depletion of ground water table. This has resulted in the state
government working out alternate source of water which meets the
quality norms for use in concrete industry, the spokesman said.
This will ensure supply of water for construction purpose irrespective
of monsoon failure besides save the amount of fresh water that is
being tapped from lakes, borewells and rainfed lakes.
The spokesman said that the revenue realized from the waste water will
be used to meet the expenditure towards treatment of waste water.
Currently, 100 MLD of secondary treated water is available at
Perungudi sewage treatment plant and the water is being used for
gardening purposes by Chennai corporation and Tamil nadu road
Development Corporation. Though this water is water is suitable for
construction purpose, Metro water is constructing the additional
treatment plant to treat secondary treated water so as to achieve the
required quality for production of concrete but also safe handling of
water.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: Renault Nissan Suppliers Park await DTCP clearance...
writingonblog uncensored: Renault Nissan Suppliers Park await DTCP clearance...: C Shivakumar Chennai: The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) land offered to Renault Nissan Suppliers Pa...
writingonblog uncensored: Renault Nissan Suppliers Park await DTCP clearance...
writingonblog uncensored: Renault Nissan Suppliers Park await DTCP clearance...: C Shivakumar Chennai: The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) land offered to Renault Nissan Suppliers Pa...
Renault Nissan Suppliers Park await DTCP clearance
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited
(SIPCOT) land offered to Renault Nissan Suppliers Park has yet to get
the approval of Town and Country Planning department.
DTCP sources told Express that 100 acre of land in Vadukkuppattu and
Chennakuppam villages of Sriperumbudur taluk could not get DTCP
clearance due to issues pertaining to development control regulations.
Interestingly, sources link the delay in clearance to lack of three
layers of top officials in the directorate of town and country
planning. Sources said DTCP did not fill the sanctioned posts of
additional director, joint directors and deputy directors and a
proposal has already been mooted to the state government to use the
expertise of experienced hands in Chennai Metropolitan Development
Authority.
Sources said that SIPCOT layout was formed in the name of Renault
Nissan Suppliers Park and plots were allotted to individuals without
obtaining layout from Town and Country Planning department.
It was learnt that when SIPCOT application for approval was
scrutinized, it was found that the width of roads and dimension of
open space reservation area spaces of the layout do not satisfy the
norms of development control regulations provision.
DTCP has requested Sipcot to rectify the defects but SIPCOT has
requested DTCP to exempt the layout from development control
regulation provoisions.
It is learnt that Town and Country Planning Department has prescribed
a checklist of required documents, drawings to be submitted along
with application for obtaining permission for industries.
Interestingly, Renault Nissan has blamed lack of clarity on the
process to be followed for obtaining building plan approvals. It is
learnt that Renault Nissan has sought the assistance of state
government in terms of directing the regulating agencies for providing
time-bound approvals to the units operating in the leased premises
besides guidelines on the process to be followed.
Interestingly, the top three layers of posts in DTCP are vacant at a
time when the directorate is preparing Master Plan for non plan areas
worth 8,000 square km besides master plan and Comprehensive Traffic
and Transportation study for Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Madurai and
Trichirapalli corporations.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: New website to spread Periyar’s message across the...
writingonblog uncensored: New website to spread Periyar’s message across the...: Chennai: In a bid to spread the thoughts and teachings of social reformer Periyar among the youth across the world, a website was launc...
New website to spread Periyar’s message across the world
Chennai:
In a bid to spread the thoughts and teachings of social reformer
Periyar among the youth across the world, a website was launched here
on Friday evening.
The website along with three books ‘Periyar 1,000 Questions and
Answers in Tamil was launched by secretary of The Periyar Self-Respect
Propaganda Institution K Veeramani.
Addressing reporters Veeramani said that Periyar was a visiuonary who
had predicted about the world in 21st century through his book
inivarum ulagam.
“As a tribute to the visionary, we are using the same technology which
he predicted in his book to spread his thoughts and teachings,”
Veeramani said.
He said that people in the state and other rationalists across the
world expressed their desire to take part in quiz competitions , which
is conducted to bring awareness among the children about Thanthai
Periyar.
As a result the new website (www.periyarquizster was launched. He said
now the Periyar 1000 competitions will hereafter be conducted to
enable people of any age to participate.
The website is created in such a manner that everytime different types
of questions will find place in competitions.
He said the programme was also created in using Apple operating system
and iphone apps. Questions from topics like philosophy of Thanthai
Periyar, his thoughts, his mission, his activities, the self-respect
movement created by him and other social movements, literature and
contemporarians will be asked in the competition.
He said this year Periyar 1,000 book is in French language also. “We
went for French as it is one of the largest spoken languages in the
world. We are also planning to have it in Spanish and Chinese,” said
Veeramani. The book is the collection of questions about the life
history of Periyar, his service to the society and the organizations
created by him. He said now Periyar books can be brought through
Amazon.com and also read through Kindle
Friday, September 19, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: Home dreams shattered as developer demands additio...
writingonblog uncensored: Home dreams shattered as developer demands additio...: C Shivakumar Chennai: The dream of owning a flat in the city has been nearly shattered for more than 300 buyers, who were left high and...
Home dreams shattered as developer demands additional money to revive stalled multi-crore residential project
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The dream of owning a flat in the city has been nearly shattered for
more than 300 buyers, who were left high and dry as the developer
stalled work on a massive multi-crore residential project for more
than two years.
The buyers mostly from middle class, who have pledged their jewels or
invested their pension funds or have been paying half their salaries
as EMIs had been running from pillar to post to get the project
revived after more paying more than 90 per cent of the cost.
“As per the Builders Agreement they have to complete the project by
September 2011. But the work was suspended from July 2011 as the
contractor demanded higher rates. They made several promises to honour
their commitment, which was never complied with,” said retired
principal of ASP College of Commerce, Bijapur, V Gopalan.
Interestingly, Gopalan has invested his whole pension on a single
bedroom flat. “My whole savings have gone. I just want them to provide
me with my flat,” he says. The project was launched by Sabari Realtors
Private Limited with much fanfare on April 2009.
The group chairman and managing director K R V Ramani had announced
that Sabari Serenity would have 936 apartments in a range of one, two
and three bedroom apartments spread over nine acres off Old
Mahabalipuram Road. It was to have 13 floors and the cost was kept at
1,899 per square feet.
A retired professor of Tamil Nadu Agriculture university G
Arunachalam, who also put in his savings into the project, says that
the developer abruptly stopped the project and urged the investors,
who formed Flat Owners Association to pay Rs 150 extra per square feet
as the costs of raw materials have shot up.
He says how could a pensioner or a government employee pay such huge
addition to the cost when they are already in debt. “Isn’t it
in-human. First they failed to honour the contract and now they ask us
to pay more. From where will we get the money,” he reasons.
K P Selvakumari, who is working as a Pioneer Cadre Review Postal
Assistant in Chief Post Master General’s office says it is totally
illegal to demand such an amount. “We are from a middle class family,”
she says.
Sam Christopher, who is working as a production engineer, says he has
now lost peace in his domestic life as he has pledged his wife’s
jewelry for getting the loan for availing the flat. “We have quarrels
every night,” he says.
When Express sought the reaction from the president of the project V A
Ramash, he said that only two to three weeks of work is left. “Since
the cost of raw materials have gone up, we asked the flat investors to
pay an additional amount of Rs 150 extra per square feet. Most of them
have paid the amount as such the project is pending. It is not
stalled,” he said.
He said the new rate of paying Rs 150 extra per square feet was agreed
by Sabari Serenity Flat Owners Association. However, to a query as it
is the individual buyer who signs the agreement and not the
association, the official refused to comment.
Meanwhile, the buyers have also complained to Confederation of Real
Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) who are looking into
the issue.
Chennai:
The dream of owning a flat in the city has been nearly shattered for
more than 300 buyers, who were left high and dry as the developer
stalled work on a massive multi-crore residential project for more
than two years.
The buyers mostly from middle class, who have pledged their jewels or
invested their pension funds or have been paying half their salaries
as EMIs had been running from pillar to post to get the project
revived after more paying more than 90 per cent of the cost.
“As per the Builders Agreement they have to complete the project by
September 2011. But the work was suspended from July 2011 as the
contractor demanded higher rates. They made several promises to honour
their commitment, which was never complied with,” said retired
principal of ASP College of Commerce, Bijapur, V Gopalan.
Interestingly, Gopalan has invested his whole pension on a single
bedroom flat. “My whole savings have gone. I just want them to provide
me with my flat,” he says. The project was launched by Sabari Realtors
Private Limited with much fanfare on April 2009.
The group chairman and managing director K R V Ramani had announced
that Sabari Serenity would have 936 apartments in a range of one, two
and three bedroom apartments spread over nine acres off Old
Mahabalipuram Road. It was to have 13 floors and the cost was kept at
1,899 per square feet.
A retired professor of Tamil Nadu Agriculture university G
Arunachalam, who also put in his savings into the project, says that
the developer abruptly stopped the project and urged the investors,
who formed Flat Owners Association to pay Rs 150 extra per square feet
as the costs of raw materials have shot up.
He says how could a pensioner or a government employee pay such huge
addition to the cost when they are already in debt. “Isn’t it
in-human. First they failed to honour the contract and now they ask us
to pay more. From where will we get the money,” he reasons.
K P Selvakumari, who is working as a Pioneer Cadre Review Postal
Assistant in Chief Post Master General’s office says it is totally
illegal to demand such an amount. “We are from a middle class family,”
she says.
Sam Christopher, who is working as a production engineer, says he has
now lost peace in his domestic life as he has pledged his wife’s
jewelry for getting the loan for availing the flat. “We have quarrels
every night,” he says.
When Express sought the reaction from the president of the project V A
Ramash, he said that only two to three weeks of work is left. “Since
the cost of raw materials have gone up, we asked the flat investors to
pay an additional amount of Rs 150 extra per square feet. Most of them
have paid the amount as such the project is pending. It is not
stalled,” he said.
He said the new rate of paying Rs 150 extra per square feet was agreed
by Sabari Serenity Flat Owners Association. However, to a query as it
is the individual buyer who signs the agreement and not the
association, the official refused to comment.
Meanwhile, the buyers have also complained to Confederation of Real
Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) who are looking into
the issue.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: CMDA to resume drawal of lots for remaining 74 Mar...
writingonblog uncensored: CMDA to resume drawal of lots for remaining 74 Mar...: Chennai: Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority will again be holding the drawal of lots for remaining 74 plots in Marimalai Nagar n...
CMDA to resume drawal of lots for remaining 74 Marimalai Nagar plots next week
Chennai:
Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority will again be holding the
drawal of lots for remaining 74 plots in Marimalai Nagar next week.
The drawal of lots will be held next week, a senior CMDA official said
without giving the venue and the exact date.
The drawal of lots were postponed for Marimalai Nagar on February this
year following protests by applicants who suspected irregularities in
the allotment of serial numbers to the applications that were
considered for the draw at the Chennai Trade Centre.
The issue was over the application number 511551 for the allotment of
the plot. Crowd had questioned how the serial number could crop up
when the total applications were in the range of around 70,000.
However, officials clarified the mistake was due to manual error and
there is total transparency in the allotments.
A total of 82 plots --- 38 in economically weaker section, 16 in lower
income group 1, nine in lower income group 2, 16 in middle income
group and three in higher income group were allotted under the lot
system.
Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority will again be holding the
drawal of lots for remaining 74 plots in Marimalai Nagar next week.
The drawal of lots will be held next week, a senior CMDA official said
without giving the venue and the exact date.
The drawal of lots were postponed for Marimalai Nagar on February this
year following protests by applicants who suspected irregularities in
the allotment of serial numbers to the applications that were
considered for the draw at the Chennai Trade Centre.
The issue was over the application number 511551 for the allotment of
the plot. Crowd had questioned how the serial number could crop up
when the total applications were in the range of around 70,000.
However, officials clarified the mistake was due to manual error and
there is total transparency in the allotments.
A total of 82 plots --- 38 in economically weaker section, 16 in lower
income group 1, nine in lower income group 2, 16 in middle income
group and three in higher income group were allotted under the lot
system.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
writingonblog uncensored: City without Krishna Water supply as Kandaleru res...
writingonblog uncensored: City without Krishna Water supply as Kandaleru res...: Chennai: Chennai will be without Krishna water after Andhra Pradesh has downed the shutters of Kandaleru on Monday due to the receding wate...
City without Krishna Water supply as Kandaleru reservoir water recedes
Chennai:
Chennai will be without Krishna water after Andhra Pradesh has downed
the shutters of Kandaleru on Monday due to the receding water
levels.
A Water Resources Department official told Express that the water
supply from Kandaleru stopped on September 15 at 6pm.
The water supply stopped as water levels in Kandaleru reached the dead
storage. “We are hoping that water will be released from Somasaila to
Kandaleru,” the official said.
As per norms, the water from Somasaila to Kandaleru is released only
when the levels reach 23tmcft. “Yesterday, the levels reached 25 tmcft
as a result 400 cusecs of water was released to Kandaleru,” the
official said.
He said currently, Kandaleru has only 9 tmc feet of water and once it
reaches 12 tmc feet then the gates of Kandaleru would open for Tamil
Nadu.
He said this year the Andhra officials have assured us of providing
full quantum of water. As per the agreement with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu has to get 8 tmc feet of water from this July to August, the PWD
official said.
The resumption of supply of Krishna Water is likely to resume from
first week of October once Kandaleru dam has enough water, the
official said.
Andhra Pradesh opened the gates of Kandaleru Reservoir on August as
500 cusecs of Krishna water was let out to quench the thirst of
Chennaites. The water was released after the state government wrote
letters requesting release of water to rejuvenate the depleting
reservoirs. Till now total of 1.54 TMC ft of water was released from
August to September 15.
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