Tuesday, March 31, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: IAEA Mission suggests five points to improve nuke ...
writingonblog uncensored: IAEA Mission suggests five points to improve nuke ...: Chennai: International Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) Mission of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put forth a five po...
IAEA Mission suggests five points to improve nuke safety regulatory framework
Chennai:
International Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) Mission of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has put forth a five point recommendations to improve nuclear safety regulatory framework.
The team which reviewed the nuclear safety regulatory framework has suggested that India promulgate the established policies and strategy for safety and the strategies for radioactive waste management as statements of the government’s intent.
It also stressed the need for embedding in law the regulatory independence of AERB.
The Mission also suggested the need to review implementation of policy and arrangements to ensure maintenance of independence in the performance of regulatory functions.
The recommendation also suggested the need to enhance frequency of routine on-site inspections at nuclear power projects to allow for additional independent verification besides development and implementation of internal emergency arrangements including detailed procedures to fulfil its roles related to emergency response.
Interestingly, the team also identified several good practices related to competence of the personnel, the recruitment and training of personnel, operating experiencing feedback, research and development infrastructure related to regulatory activities and the use of systematic database for tracking the recommendations from emergency exercises.
The IRRS mission, coordinated by the IAEA, was led by Ramzi Jammal, executive vice-president and chief regulatory officer of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The team comprised 16 experts from the nuclear regulatory bodies of Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungry, Israel, Netherland, United Kingdom, US, and the IAEA itself. The peer review was carried out by comparison against IAEA safety standards as the international benchmark for safety.
The Mission was preceded by an extensive self-assessment exercise by AERB extending over a year. The Mission provided AERB with an opportunity for a quality exchange of information with international regulatory experts and further enhance the regulatory framework and processes in India.
writingonblog uncensored: TANFED’s Koyambedu cold storage unit incurs Rs 25 ...
writingonblog uncensored: TANFED’s Koyambedu cold storage unit incurs Rs 25 ...: C Shivakumar Chennai: The cold storage unit set up by Tamil Nadu Cooperative Marketing Federation (TANFED) in Koyambedu is slowly dyin...
TANFED’s Koyambedu cold storage unit incurs Rs 25 lakh a month loss
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The cold storage unit set up by Tamil Nadu Cooperative Marketing
Federation (TANFED) in Koyambedu is slowly dying as business has
fizzled out due to opening of cold chains by traders in Koyambedu
complex.
“Twenty years ago we used to get around 25,000 to 30,000 cases of
apples but now we hardly get even 5,000 cases of apple,” said an
employee on condition of anonymity.
The dilapidated looking building located between a petrol bunk and a
truck terminal lacks the hustle and bustle with employees fiddling
with their computer aimlessly.
The business has been running in loss. “TANFED was making profits from
1995 till 2002 but after that the cold storage has been in red,” a
TANFED official said.
“We used to store, potatoes, chillies, tamarind and apple but now
apart from apples that too occasionally, we are not getting much
businesses,” the official says.
It is learnt that every year the cold storage unit is suffering a loss
of Rs 25 lakh. “We have been trying to work out so many models but
success is elusive,” the official says.
Interestingly, the loss has been such that TANFED leased out six
grounds of their 21 grounds land to Indian Oil Corporation’s petrol
bunk. “We are getting atleast Rs 45 lakh from this deal yearly which
is helping us run the plant,” said the official.
The main issue for the cold storage unit loss is due to lack of
patronage. “Around 250 shops in the market have cold storage units.
They are eating away our revenues,” the official said.
The other cause of worry is the huge power bills which the cold
storage unit has to pay. “Every month it comes to Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2
lakh. We don’t get that much business also,” rues another official.
Interestingly, TANFED been seeking tenders to modernise the plant to
reduce the power cost. “We hope the cost of power is minimised so that
the losses are under control,” he said.
Monday, March 30, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: India planning Gulf of Mannar Regional Fishing Cou...
writingonblog uncensored: India planning Gulf of Mannar Regional Fishing Cou...: C Shivakumar Chennai: The third round of talks between Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen held in Chennai may have given hope to end the bit...
India planning Gulf of Mannar Regional Fishing Council to address fishing disputes
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The third round of talks between Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen held in Chennai may have given hope to end the bitter fishing rights issue between the fishing community of two sides but experts question how far both Indian and Sri Lankan governments agree when they draft a laws on issues pertaining to fishing.
Fishing in Palk Strait has been a bone of contention between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu for a long time now. The State has challenged in the Supreme Court the 1974 and 1976 accords under which Katchatheevu islet was ceded to Sri Lanka by India.
“It is a sensitive and difficult issue. But we should not be fishing in Sri Lankan territory,” says Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) principal scientist Dr K Sunil Mohamed. The Centre is planning to come up with a dispute redressal mechanism to address the territorial dispute on fishing between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. “It is still in the mind and paper. It will be drafted by June 2015,” Mohamed says. He says the CMFRI is mooting a Fisheries Management Council for all the coastal states to resolve conflicts.
“Under this, we have also mooted Gulf of Mannar Regional Fishing Council. This will also have the participation of Sri Lankan fishermen,” Mohamed points out. He adds that the idea is to have a Panchayat Raj sort of three-tier system to resolve territorial fishing disputes amicably. This mechanism is expected to be drafted by June 2015. Mohamed also stresses on the need for Regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs), which are formed by countries with fishing interests in an area.
India has a huge coastline and it has conflicts with all its neighbours over fishing, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. “It is time India spearheaded formation of RFMOs,” observes Mohamed. He says the proposals put forth by both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen is a welcome move. However, India should now look into reducing the number of fishing vessels by providing alternate livelihood for those who are willing to give up trawling, he opines.
N Sathiyamoorthy, Director of Chennai Chapter of Observer Research Foundation says that the proposals like Indian fishermen agreeing to abandon trawling in the Palk Strait in three years time is a welcome move.
But the biggest challenge would be when international maritime boundaries are to be zeroed in upon and when legislation will be drafted. “Palk Strait is a delicate issue for the State government, which has moved the Supreme Court on this issue. It is also a sensitive issue and could have political connotations,” points out Sathiyamoorthy. He also says that the concerns of Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen were also highlighted for the first time with Tamil National Alliance raising the concerns of northern Sri Lankan fishermen at the party’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
He also backs the proposal that the entire trawling fleet from India should be turned into deep sea fishing vessels. “Deep sea fishing requires a lot of preparation and fishermen should be trained,” he says. The State fisheries department is already considering Tuna Long Line Fishing in deep seas. “We have sent in a proposal to the government,” an official informs. He adds that the government is implementing the ban on purse seine fishing nets.
However, civil society seems to oppose deep sea fishing. “Fishermen should not venture into Palk Straits for fishing. It is an IMBL. What will the Sri Lankan fishermen do,” a civic official functionary questions. He says the government should work on ways to regulate fishing to improve the stock. “Deep sea fishing is not the solution,” he says. “We need to reduce bottom trawling.” Mohamed says that the blame on Indian fishermen violating the IMBL also lies with the coast guard. “They should have stopped the fishermen from crossing into Sri Lankan waters and should have detained them,” he opines, adding that he has taken up the issue with coast guard officials.
Chennai:
The third round of talks between Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen held in Chennai may have given hope to end the bitter fishing rights issue between the fishing community of two sides but experts question how far both Indian and Sri Lankan governments agree when they draft a laws on issues pertaining to fishing.
Fishing in Palk Strait has been a bone of contention between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu for a long time now. The State has challenged in the Supreme Court the 1974 and 1976 accords under which Katchatheevu islet was ceded to Sri Lanka by India.
“It is a sensitive and difficult issue. But we should not be fishing in Sri Lankan territory,” says Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) principal scientist Dr K Sunil Mohamed. The Centre is planning to come up with a dispute redressal mechanism to address the territorial dispute on fishing between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. “It is still in the mind and paper. It will be drafted by June 2015,” Mohamed says. He says the CMFRI is mooting a Fisheries Management Council for all the coastal states to resolve conflicts.
“Under this, we have also mooted Gulf of Mannar Regional Fishing Council. This will also have the participation of Sri Lankan fishermen,” Mohamed points out. He adds that the idea is to have a Panchayat Raj sort of three-tier system to resolve territorial fishing disputes amicably. This mechanism is expected to be drafted by June 2015. Mohamed also stresses on the need for Regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs), which are formed by countries with fishing interests in an area.
India has a huge coastline and it has conflicts with all its neighbours over fishing, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. “It is time India spearheaded formation of RFMOs,” observes Mohamed. He says the proposals put forth by both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen is a welcome move. However, India should now look into reducing the number of fishing vessels by providing alternate livelihood for those who are willing to give up trawling, he opines.
N Sathiyamoorthy, Director of Chennai Chapter of Observer Research Foundation says that the proposals like Indian fishermen agreeing to abandon trawling in the Palk Strait in three years time is a welcome move.
But the biggest challenge would be when international maritime boundaries are to be zeroed in upon and when legislation will be drafted. “Palk Strait is a delicate issue for the State government, which has moved the Supreme Court on this issue. It is also a sensitive issue and could have political connotations,” points out Sathiyamoorthy. He also says that the concerns of Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen were also highlighted for the first time with Tamil National Alliance raising the concerns of northern Sri Lankan fishermen at the party’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
He also backs the proposal that the entire trawling fleet from India should be turned into deep sea fishing vessels. “Deep sea fishing requires a lot of preparation and fishermen should be trained,” he says. The State fisheries department is already considering Tuna Long Line Fishing in deep seas. “We have sent in a proposal to the government,” an official informs. He adds that the government is implementing the ban on purse seine fishing nets.
However, civil society seems to oppose deep sea fishing. “Fishermen should not venture into Palk Straits for fishing. It is an IMBL. What will the Sri Lankan fishermen do,” a civic official functionary questions. He says the government should work on ways to regulate fishing to improve the stock. “Deep sea fishing is not the solution,” he says. “We need to reduce bottom trawling.” Mohamed says that the blame on Indian fishermen violating the IMBL also lies with the coast guard. “They should have stopped the fishermen from crossing into Sri Lankan waters and should have detained them,” he opines, adding that he has taken up the issue with coast guard officials.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: Centre keen to upgrade entire ECR linking Chennai-...
writingonblog uncensored: Centre keen to upgrade entire ECR linking Chennai-...: Chennai: Union government has expressed its keenness to declare and upgrade entire East Coast Road which connects Chennai and Kanniyakumari...
Saturday, March 28, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: Centre keen to upgrade entire ECR linking Chennai-...
writingonblog uncensored: Centre keen to upgrade entire ECR linking Chennai-...: Chennai: Union government has expressed its keenness to declare and upgrade entire East Coast Road which connects Chennai and Kanniyakumari...
Centre keen to upgrade entire ECR linking Chennai-Kanniyakumari as National Highway
Chennai:
Union government has expressed its keenness to declare and upgrade entire East Coast Road which connects Chennai and Kanniyakumari as National Highway if Tamil Nadu government gives its nod.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and shipping Pon Radhkrishnan after reviewing National Highway Projects in Tamil Nadu and Kerala here on Saturday, said that nearly 600 Km of the stretch which is with the state government could be converted into National Highway if the state submits necessary proposals.
At present only 153km out of 738.4km is under National Highway and the remaining is with the State government.
He also recommended out of court solution by National Highway Authority and the state government to settle the deadlock over Chennai Port-Maduravoyal elevated corridor project.
The state government has to allocate 18 km of road. Till now only 6 km of land has been allocated. Some of the land across Cooum has yet to be acquired.
The minister also stated that the proposal for upgradation of 115km of Madurai-Ramanathapuram section of NH-49 is under consideration of the ministry and a foundation stone would be laid soon.
Radhakrishnan also said that new projects for widening and improvement of 430km of National Highways at a cost of rs 400 crore have been approved during the last six months for out of which works also commenced for 290 Kms in Tamil Nadu. Work on remaining project is expected to be commenced shortly.
The minister also stated that Rs 390 Crore has been sanctioned to Tamil Nadu under Central Road Fund (CRF) and two new projects under Inter State Road Connectivity Scheme -- Kanniyakumari (TN) to Palaya Uchakkadai (Kerala) for 71.5 Km and Parasseri - Monday Market – Pudukkadai, worth Rs. 150 Crore have also been sanctioned.
He also announced that Rs 112.08 Crore has been sanctioned for the State of Puducherry from the Central Road Fund during the year 2014-15.
He also expressed concern on the slow progress of the ongoing projects in the State of Tamil Nadu, consisting nearly 1000 Kms with an outlay of about Rs 7000 Crore. The minister said that during the last nine months, the pace of construction of National Highways in the country has improved to 10.3 Km per day as against 5.1 Km per day achieved during the year 2013-14.
He also informed that the Central Government has taken a decision to close down 62 Toll Plazas in the country where either the capital cost has been recovered or the concession period is over.
The minister also urged the state government to sign the State Support Agreement, which is a pre-requisite for awarding projects under PPP mode so that it will help the Concessionaires to get funds from the lending agencies.
writingonblog uncensored: Two coastguard ships to be commissioned
writingonblog uncensored: Two coastguard ships to be commissioned: Chennai: Indian Coast Guard Ships ICGS Anagh, C-417 and C-430 will be commissioned here on Sunday as director general of Indian Coast Gu...
Two coastguard ships to be commissioned
Chennai:
Indian Coast Guard Ships ICGS Anagh, C-417 and C-430 will be
commissioned here on Sunday as director general of Indian Coast Guard
H C S Bisht paid his maiden visit to Tamil Nadu.
The director general inaugurated the Married Accomodation Project at
Thalkancherry on Friday and visited various coastguard establishments
at Chennai. He is scheduled to undertake Forward Area Recce onboard
Coastguard hovercraft from Mandapam on March 28.
Indian Coast Guard Ships ICGS Anagh, C-417 and C-430 will be
commissioned here on Sunday as director general of Indian Coast Guard
H C S Bisht paid his maiden visit to Tamil Nadu.
The director general inaugurated the Married Accomodation Project at
Thalkancherry on Friday and visited various coastguard establishments
at Chennai. He is scheduled to undertake Forward Area Recce onboard
Coastguard hovercraft from Mandapam on March 28.
Friday, March 27, 2015
TANSTIA welcomes MSME investment portal proposal
Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA) on Thursday
welcomed the Budget proposal by Chief Minister O Paneerselvam for
creating common investment portal for Micro Small Medium Entreprenuers
to serve as single window clearance mechanism to improve the ease of
doing business similar to large industries.
C Muthusami, president of TANSTIA also hailed the approval received
from Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board for formation of
Madurai-Thoothkudi Industrial corridor besides providing Rs 13,586
crore financial support to power sector.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
TN budget key to ensuring equitable growth, says industry
Chennai:
Industry has hailed the Tamil Nadu budget and said it is aimed at
ensuring equitable and balanced growth.
Confederation of Indian Industry and Madras Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (MCCI) said that withdrawing the input tax credit reversal,
imposed at the rate of 3 per cent on the inter state sale of goods,
would make the manufacturing industries more competitive in Tamil Nadu
in comparison to other states.
S N Eisenhower, chairman, CII Tamil Nadu, thanked the state government
for considering their chambers recommendation especially in taxation
and promotion of entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu.
CII and MCCI also hailed the government for withdrawing Clause (C )
under Section 19 (5) of TN VAT Act 2006 to enable the dealers to claim
input tax credit on the inter-state sale of goods without C-Form. This
measure will eliminate additional burden on the dealers effecting
inter-state sale of goods without C-Form.
K Saraswathi, secretary general of MCCI, stressed on the need to
expedite Madurai Tuticorin Industrial Corridor to bring greater
industrial growth to the Southern districts. She said that the
creation and improvement of port infrastructure which is critical for
State exports had not been mentioned in the budget. “This, which is an
important component of Vision 2023 needs to be addressed,” the Chamber
felt.
Eisenhower said the move to establish an Entrepreneurial and Business
Acceleration Centre (EBAC) in public private partnership mode by the
Entrepreneurship Development Institute in partnership with CII will be
a major step towards promotion of entrepreneurial culture in Tamil
Nadu and CII look forward to associate with the state government in
this landmark initiative.
writingonblog uncensored: Kamarajar Port to import additional 18 MTS of coal...
writingonblog uncensored: Kamarajar Port to import additional 18 MTS of coal...: Chennai: The state electricity board will soon be able to import 18 million tonnes of coal from Kamarajar Port in the next two years after ...
Kamarajar Port to import additional 18 MTS of coal in next two years as two coal berths cleared by MoEF
Chennai:
The state electricity board will soon be able to import 18 million
tonnes of coal from Kamarajar Port in the next two years after Union
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change accorded
enivironmental and coastal regulation zone clearance for development
of two additional coal berths.
Sanjay Kumar, director operations, Kamarajar Port, said that the
clearance by MoEF was given on March 12 and now they are awaiting
clearance from the state pollution control board.
“Now we are in the process of getting ‘Consent to Establish’ a
statutory permission from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board which we
hope to get in next 10 days,” he said.
He said that with the addition of two coal berths, Kamarajar Port
would be handling 40 million tonnes of coal. Currently, the port is
handling 22 to 23 million tonnes of coal.
Interestingly, Ennore Port is also planning to add another coal berth.
“it is still in the discussion stage and is likely to handle
additional 10 million tonnes of coal,” he said.
Tamil Nadu requires an additional 3.4 million tonnes of imported coal
to stave off power crisis this year. It is 60 per cent more than what
it imported last year.
Ennore Port sources said that TNEB has asked Ennore Port to increase
its coal handling to 34 million tonnes in the next five years.
The state electricity board will soon be able to import 18 million
tonnes of coal from Kamarajar Port in the next two years after Union
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change accorded
enivironmental and coastal regulation zone clearance for development
of two additional coal berths.
Sanjay Kumar, director operations, Kamarajar Port, said that the
clearance by MoEF was given on March 12 and now they are awaiting
clearance from the state pollution control board.
“Now we are in the process of getting ‘Consent to Establish’ a
statutory permission from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board which we
hope to get in next 10 days,” he said.
He said that with the addition of two coal berths, Kamarajar Port
would be handling 40 million tonnes of coal. Currently, the port is
handling 22 to 23 million tonnes of coal.
Interestingly, Ennore Port is also planning to add another coal berth.
“it is still in the discussion stage and is likely to handle
additional 10 million tonnes of coal,” he said.
Tamil Nadu requires an additional 3.4 million tonnes of imported coal
to stave off power crisis this year. It is 60 per cent more than what
it imported last year.
Ennore Port sources said that TNEB has asked Ennore Port to increase
its coal handling to 34 million tonnes in the next five years.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: Convert popular temple tanks in Chennai to percola...
writingonblog uncensored: Convert popular temple tanks in Chennai to percola...: Chennai: As water bodies are perishing to sustain urban development, an expert has urged for the need to convert 38 popular temple tank...
Convert popular temple tanks in Chennai to percolation ponds to quench city’s thirst
Chennai:
As water bodies are perishing to sustain urban development, an expert
has urged for the need to convert 38 popular temple tanks as
percolation pond to quench the thirst of the city.
Delivering a talk on Water and Sustainable Development, Prof M
Karmegam, former director of Centre for Water Resources, College of
Engineering Anna University, said that due to massive construction the
recharge of water is not happening and there is a need to think of
artificial recharge of water.
He suggested that the government should think of converting the 38
popular temple tanks, including the Kapaleshwar tank, into percolation
ponds, a multipurpose conservation structure for recharging the
groundwater.
Ruing the shrinking of Velachery tank from 500 acres to 50 acres, he
said that there is a need to protect the waterspread area of tanks. He
said if they wanted to use the huge area for urban development, they
should convert the huge water body to percolation ponds.
“But then encroachment on the water-spread area should be stopped,” he said.
Karmegam said that 25 per cent of Ambattur tank has been converted
into plots by state housing board and 13 per encroached by people.
He said the northern part of the tank has clay surface while the
southern side has sandy layer. “If it is being converted into a
percolation pond, the entire Ambattur municipality’s thirst could be
quenched,” he added.
He also expressed concern that Public works Department is slow in
interlinking of rivers in Tamil Nadu.
“We get very less rainfall and can be compared with Rajasthan. There
is a urgent need to interlink the canals or tanks through rivers,” he
said.
Monday, March 23, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: Set up finance corporation to fund metro projects,...
writingonblog uncensored: Set up finance corporation to fund metro projects,...: Chennai: The Union government should set up a finance corporation for metro rail projects akin to Indian Railway Finance Corporation to ...
Set up finance corporation to fund metro projects, says Sreedharan
Chennai:
The Union government should set up a finance corporation for metro
rail projects akin to Indian Railway Finance Corporation to raise
capital and fund the projects, according to Metro Man E Sreedharan.
The former chief of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) told reporters
after delivering the IIT Madras , Civil Engineering Endowment lecture
that the Metro Rail Finance Corporation should be set up with a seed
capital of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 crore and the corporation should
raise money behalf of the government.
He said currently 10 Metro Rail projects are currently being taken up
across the country which would require investment of around Rs two
lakh crore. Besides 10 more projects are ready to be taken up and this
would require additional investment of Rs two thousand crore.
He said the public private partnership model in metro rail won’t work
and many players have burnt their fingers. The government should look
for innovative way of funding the project by forming Metro Rail
Finance Corporation.
He said that 42 cities in India which have a population of more than
one million are eligible for metro rail project and this woud require
a massive investment.
He said that to boost the ridership the government should work on
mechanisms to make it cheap. He also suggested disincentives in every
state to use the vehicle to the minimum besides hiking the
registration fee for private vehicles so that people prefer public
transport.
He also suggested the need to have adequate manpower to construct
metro rail project in Indian cities. IITs are starting courses on
metro rail, he said.
He also said that monorail is not an ideal source of transport within
a city. “The operation maintenance is 50 per cent more than a metro.
The Mumbai monorail is not upto the global standard,” he said.
On the delay in completing the metro rail project, Sreedharan said
that land acquisition delay can’t be an excuse. “Although it is a
major detterent but we have to tackle it. Land acquisition is very
difficult in Kerala but we did it and the Kochi Metro will be built in
three years time and the commercial run will be started in 2016.
He also said the amendment t land acquisition bill will expedite all
infrastructure projects, including the metro projects.
During the lecture, Sreedharan highlighted his stints in Kolkata
Metro, Konkan Railway Corporation and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
besides his role in restoration of Pamban bridge after the cyclone in
1964.
He urged the IITians to infuse punctuality, integrity, professional
knowledge as well social responsibility in their work culture
The Union government should set up a finance corporation for metro
rail projects akin to Indian Railway Finance Corporation to raise
capital and fund the projects, according to Metro Man E Sreedharan.
The former chief of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) told reporters
after delivering the IIT Madras , Civil Engineering Endowment lecture
that the Metro Rail Finance Corporation should be set up with a seed
capital of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 crore and the corporation should
raise money behalf of the government.
He said currently 10 Metro Rail projects are currently being taken up
across the country which would require investment of around Rs two
lakh crore. Besides 10 more projects are ready to be taken up and this
would require additional investment of Rs two thousand crore.
He said the public private partnership model in metro rail won’t work
and many players have burnt their fingers. The government should look
for innovative way of funding the project by forming Metro Rail
Finance Corporation.
He said that 42 cities in India which have a population of more than
one million are eligible for metro rail project and this woud require
a massive investment.
He said that to boost the ridership the government should work on
mechanisms to make it cheap. He also suggested disincentives in every
state to use the vehicle to the minimum besides hiking the
registration fee for private vehicles so that people prefer public
transport.
He also suggested the need to have adequate manpower to construct
metro rail project in Indian cities. IITs are starting courses on
metro rail, he said.
He also said that monorail is not an ideal source of transport within
a city. “The operation maintenance is 50 per cent more than a metro.
The Mumbai monorail is not upto the global standard,” he said.
On the delay in completing the metro rail project, Sreedharan said
that land acquisition delay can’t be an excuse. “Although it is a
major detterent but we have to tackle it. Land acquisition is very
difficult in Kerala but we did it and the Kochi Metro will be built in
three years time and the commercial run will be started in 2016.
He also said the amendment t land acquisition bill will expedite all
infrastructure projects, including the metro projects.
During the lecture, Sreedharan highlighted his stints in Kolkata
Metro, Konkan Railway Corporation and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
besides his role in restoration of Pamban bridge after the cyclone in
1964.
He urged the IITians to infuse punctuality, integrity, professional
knowledge as well social responsibility in their work culture
writingonblog uncensored: BSNL to invest Rs 100 crore in TN to help 55,000 l...
writingonblog uncensored: BSNL to invest Rs 100 crore in TN to help 55,000 l...: Chennai: BSNL will invest Rs 100 crore to help nearly 55 thousand Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) landline connections in Tamil ...
writingonblog uncensored: BSNL to invest Rs 100 crore in TN to help 55,000 l...
writingonblog uncensored: BSNL to invest Rs 100 crore in TN to help 55,000 l...: Chennai: BSNL will invest Rs 100 crore to help nearly 55 thousand Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) landline connections in Tamil ...
BSNL to invest Rs 100 crore in TN to help 55,000 landline connections to migrate to Nexgen network
Chennai:
BSNL will invest Rs 100 crore to help nearly 55 thousand Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) landline connections in Tamil Nadu to
migrate to next generation network of BSNL, according to BSNL director
N K Gupta.
The next generation network (NGN) of BSNL will allows users to make
video calls through landline phones, do multi-media video
conferencing, transfer calls from landline to mobiles and vice versa.
Gupta said that migration of land line connections to next generation
network in the state is part of BSNL plan to invest Rs 1,000 crore in
upgrading its network with NGN technology.
He said that BSNL will also provide Skype facility and set up Wi-Fi
hotspots at tourist places under this initiative. “We have already
started it in Bangalore and Chennai would soon have it.
He said the wi-fi facility would be provided in Shore Temple in
Mahabalipuram in next five to six months after getting the clearances
from Archaeological Survey of India.
To a query on BSNL’s initiative to revive its sick factories, Gupta
said that the unit in Mumbai is being taken up for manufacturing
batteries. The other sick factories have till now got no takers. These
factories have been manufacturing internal equipments of BSNL as well
as SIMs.
Gupta was here to inaugurate the fourth Internet Data Centre in
Chennai. The data centre's infrastructure facility is provided by
data centre infrastructure firm CtrlS. "We will be hosting services
for applications besides cloud computing,” said founder and CEO
Sridhar Pinnapureddy. The Data Centre has already evoked interest
among ELCOT and other companies, said Gupta
writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu setting up Chennai Oceanarium Complex o...
writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu setting up Chennai Oceanarium Complex o...: C Shivakumar/ ENS Chennai: If you’d like to take a walk under the sea, wave at a dolphin as it swims by or even get to check a shark o...
Tamil Nadu setting up Chennai Oceanarium Complex on 15 acres of land in Mahabalipuram
C Shivakumar/ ENS
Chennai:
If you’d like to take a walk under the sea, wave at a dolphin as it swims by or even get to check a shark out up close, without knowing how to swim - here’s good news.
Tamil Nadu government is setting up an Chennai Oceanarium Complex in
the 15 acres of land in Mahabalipuram under public private partnership
mode.
The meticulously created SeaWorld is likely to have thousands of
marine species, collected from the Ocean, moving amidst corals and
reef just like they live in Ocean for all to see.
The creation will include an artificial ocean enabling people to walk
under the water through an acrylic tunnel, directly experiencing the
unique wonders available at the bottom of the ocean, without getting
wet.
The Oceanarium apart from its commercial and educational supremacy
will have alliances with the Universities and Marine Biology Research
Centers to undertake marine biological research projects in
collaboration with similar reputed centers around the world, Fisheries
department sources said.
Sources said that the viewing of marine life has almost been
exclusively confined to Oceanariums, in which viewers circulate around
the edges of the tank looking through windows.
But the proposed Oceanarium concept is a revolutionary one which would
provide people a fascinating tour with views in all directions. The
tunnel creates an impression
of walking on the seabed and the visitor becomes part of the marine
environment. It provides visitors of all ages with entertainment,
enjoyment and education.
Each facility will have a number of entertainment and educational
attractions, which transform short visits in to memorable occasions.
The oceanarium would have strategic and suitable displays, exhibits,
touch pools; Oceanarium, dangerous creatures and marine artifacts
which will entice the visitor through the pre-determined route on the
journey to the main Oceanarium tank of thousands of marine animals and
plants with its
submerged acrylic tunnel.
Interestingly, the fisheries department is planning the oceanarium in
such a way that the project will abide by Coastal Regulation Zone
laws.
“Of the 15 acres of land, seven acres fall in Coastal Regulation Zone
1,” the source said. As per Coastal Regulation Zone Act, civil
construction cannot be taken upto 200m from high tide line of Ocean
“It is proposed to use only eight acres for construction and the
balance seven acres would be used for the purpose for which no
construction is required,” the source added.
The seven acres would be used for fish stocking, game stocking, game
fishing , laser show, amphi theatre, Turtle Park that do not require
civil construction above ground.
Under the eight acres of land, which falls under CRZ III, the plan is
to build a ground plus first floor oceanarium.
Factfile:
Total cost: Rs 250 crore
Indoor facilities:
Aquarium Tunnel Length: Minimum of 150m
-- Non-acrylic tunnel: 25m+25m
Acrylic tunnel: 100m with 270° and 360° viewing and 100m moving walkway minimum.
-- Provision for swimming with shark, scuba diving and feeding and
other veterinary activities.
-- Big Souvenir Shop-2
--- Special Effect Multimedia Theater with 300 seating capacity for
showing wonders of Ocean and other marine based educational movies.
--- Educational Class room of 100 seating capacity with provision to
have Audio Visual Show
-- Cafeteria in two or three places
-- Underwater Restaurant with 60 seating capacity
-- Underwater Accommodation
-- Community Center for seminar and symposia and other social and
commercial functions with 1000 seating capacity
-- Food Court including seafood courts
In the outdoor area:
-- Seal Stadium with 2000 seating capacity and its support facilities
-- Penguin Park with 50 birds and its support facilities
--- Cultural food court
-- Musical fountain
In seven acres of land:
❖ Fish Stocking and Seasoning Tanks
❖ Game Fishing Tanks
❖ Lazar show
❖ Amphi Theatre
❖ Turtle Park
❖ All Terrain Scooter and Car
Chennai:
If you’d like to take a walk under the sea, wave at a dolphin as it swims by or even get to check a shark out up close, without knowing how to swim - here’s good news.
Tamil Nadu government is setting up an Chennai Oceanarium Complex in
the 15 acres of land in Mahabalipuram under public private partnership
mode.
The meticulously created SeaWorld is likely to have thousands of
marine species, collected from the Ocean, moving amidst corals and
reef just like they live in Ocean for all to see.
The creation will include an artificial ocean enabling people to walk
under the water through an acrylic tunnel, directly experiencing the
unique wonders available at the bottom of the ocean, without getting
wet.
The Oceanarium apart from its commercial and educational supremacy
will have alliances with the Universities and Marine Biology Research
Centers to undertake marine biological research projects in
collaboration with similar reputed centers around the world, Fisheries
department sources said.
Sources said that the viewing of marine life has almost been
exclusively confined to Oceanariums, in which viewers circulate around
the edges of the tank looking through windows.
But the proposed Oceanarium concept is a revolutionary one which would
provide people a fascinating tour with views in all directions. The
tunnel creates an impression
of walking on the seabed and the visitor becomes part of the marine
environment. It provides visitors of all ages with entertainment,
enjoyment and education.
Each facility will have a number of entertainment and educational
attractions, which transform short visits in to memorable occasions.
The oceanarium would have strategic and suitable displays, exhibits,
touch pools; Oceanarium, dangerous creatures and marine artifacts
which will entice the visitor through the pre-determined route on the
journey to the main Oceanarium tank of thousands of marine animals and
plants with its
submerged acrylic tunnel.
Interestingly, the fisheries department is planning the oceanarium in
such a way that the project will abide by Coastal Regulation Zone
laws.
“Of the 15 acres of land, seven acres fall in Coastal Regulation Zone
1,” the source said. As per Coastal Regulation Zone Act, civil
construction cannot be taken upto 200m from high tide line of Ocean
“It is proposed to use only eight acres for construction and the
balance seven acres would be used for the purpose for which no
construction is required,” the source added.
The seven acres would be used for fish stocking, game stocking, game
fishing , laser show, amphi theatre, Turtle Park that do not require
civil construction above ground.
Under the eight acres of land, which falls under CRZ III, the plan is
to build a ground plus first floor oceanarium.
Factfile:
Total cost: Rs 250 crore
Indoor facilities:
Aquarium Tunnel Length: Minimum of 150m
-- Non-acrylic tunnel: 25m+25m
Acrylic tunnel: 100m with 270° and 360° viewing and 100m moving walkway minimum.
-- Provision for swimming with shark, scuba diving and feeding and
other veterinary activities.
-- Big Souvenir Shop-2
--- Special Effect Multimedia Theater with 300 seating capacity for
showing wonders of Ocean and other marine based educational movies.
--- Educational Class room of 100 seating capacity with provision to
have Audio Visual Show
-- Cafeteria in two or three places
-- Underwater Restaurant with 60 seating capacity
-- Underwater Accommodation
-- Community Center for seminar and symposia and other social and
commercial functions with 1000 seating capacity
-- Food Court including seafood courts
In the outdoor area:
-- Seal Stadium with 2000 seating capacity and its support facilities
-- Penguin Park with 50 birds and its support facilities
--- Cultural food court
-- Musical fountain
In seven acres of land:
❖ Fish Stocking and Seasoning Tanks
❖ Game Fishing Tanks
❖ Lazar show
❖ Amphi Theatre
❖ Turtle Park
❖ All Terrain Scooter and Car
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Over 1,000 New Ocean Fish Species Identified in Past Eight Years
World registry, nearing completion, confirms 228,450 known marine species; consolidation relegates 190,400 other "species"
New York:
Over 1,000 new-to-science marine fish species have been described since 2008 -- an average of more than 10 per month -- according to scientists completing a consolidated inventory of all known ocean life.
Among fish species newly-described worldwide are 122 new sharks and rays, 131 new members of the goby family, and a new barracuda found in the Mediterranean.
All are contained in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), a landmark international effort to unite all existing knowledge of sea life.
In the past eight years, the effort has identified as redundant aliases almost half the names assigned over two and a half centuries to ocean dwelling creatures.
Merging scores of global databases, the more than 200 editors of WoRMS found almost 419,000 species names in literature worldwide, of which 190,400 (45%) were deemed duplicate identities. One species of sea snail alone had 113 different names (see elaboration below).
WoRMS editors have contracted to 228,450 the number of species currently known to science. About 195,000 (86%) of them are sea animals, including just over 18,000 species of fish described since the mid-1700s, more than 1,800 sea stars, 816 squids, 93 whales and dolphins and 8,900 clams and other bivalves. The rest are species of kelp, seaweeds and other plants, bacteria, viruses, fungi and single cell organisms.
Based at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Belgium, WoRMS is a collaborative scientific triumph, constituting a single, authoritative reference list of all marine species described since the pioneering work of Carl Linnaeus.
1,451 new-to-science marine creatures added in 2014
In 2014 alone, some 1,451 new-to-science marine creatures were added to WoRMS-an average of four per day.
Though a few relatively minor gaps remain, we consider the register now virtually complete with respect to species described throughout scientific history,"says WoRMS co-chair Jan Mees, Chair of the European Marine Board and Director of VLIZ. "And, of course, we are constantly updating with newly-described species, revisions of taxonomy, and adding occasional species that have been overlooked."
Dr. Mees adds that an estimated 10,000 or more new-to-science species are in laboratory jars around the world today waiting to be described.
Amazingly, says WoRMS fish specialist Nicolas Bailly of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research, new species of relatively large animals are still regularly discovered and described.
Scientists last year also described 12 new marine life families and 141 new genera (family and genus ranking higher than species on the eight-rung ladder of life's scientific classification).
A new genus of animal (Dendrogramma, with two associated species (Dendrogramma enigmatica and Dengrogramma discoides) does not readily fit into an existing phylum -the top classification in the animal kingdom. Further research will resolve the issue but could lead to the historic addition of a new life classification.
New York:
Over 1,000 new-to-science marine fish species have been described since 2008 -- an average of more than 10 per month -- according to scientists completing a consolidated inventory of all known ocean life.
Among fish species newly-described worldwide are 122 new sharks and rays, 131 new members of the goby family, and a new barracuda found in the Mediterranean.
All are contained in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), a landmark international effort to unite all existing knowledge of sea life.
In the past eight years, the effort has identified as redundant aliases almost half the names assigned over two and a half centuries to ocean dwelling creatures.
Merging scores of global databases, the more than 200 editors of WoRMS found almost 419,000 species names in literature worldwide, of which 190,400 (45%) were deemed duplicate identities. One species of sea snail alone had 113 different names (see elaboration below).
WoRMS editors have contracted to 228,450 the number of species currently known to science. About 195,000 (86%) of them are sea animals, including just over 18,000 species of fish described since the mid-1700s, more than 1,800 sea stars, 816 squids, 93 whales and dolphins and 8,900 clams and other bivalves. The rest are species of kelp, seaweeds and other plants, bacteria, viruses, fungi and single cell organisms.
Based at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Belgium, WoRMS is a collaborative scientific triumph, constituting a single, authoritative reference list of all marine species described since the pioneering work of Carl Linnaeus.
1,451 new-to-science marine creatures added in 2014
In 2014 alone, some 1,451 new-to-science marine creatures were added to WoRMS-an average of four per day.
Though a few relatively minor gaps remain, we consider the register now virtually complete with respect to species described throughout scientific history,"says WoRMS co-chair Jan Mees, Chair of the European Marine Board and Director of VLIZ. "And, of course, we are constantly updating with newly-described species, revisions of taxonomy, and adding occasional species that have been overlooked."
Dr. Mees adds that an estimated 10,000 or more new-to-science species are in laboratory jars around the world today waiting to be described.
Amazingly, says WoRMS fish specialist Nicolas Bailly of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research, new species of relatively large animals are still regularly discovered and described.
Scientists last year also described 12 new marine life families and 141 new genera (family and genus ranking higher than species on the eight-rung ladder of life's scientific classification).
A new genus of animal (Dendrogramma, with two associated species (Dendrogramma enigmatica and Dengrogramma discoides) does not readily fit into an existing phylum -the top classification in the animal kingdom. Further research will resolve the issue but could lead to the historic addition of a new life classification.
writingonblog uncensored: TNRDC plans new toll booth on Mahabalipuram; 4-lan...
writingonblog uncensored: TNRDC plans new toll booth on Mahabalipuram; 4-lan...: Chennai: Tamil Nadu Road Development Corporation has completed nearly 20 per cent of the work on converting the two lane stretch betwee...
TNRDC plans new toll booth on Mahabalipuram; 4-laning of road in ECR likely to be completed by Jan 2016
Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Road Development Corporation has completed nearly 20 per
cent of the work on converting the two lane stretch between Akarai to
Mamallapuram into a four lane one and plans are on to construct a toll
booth in Mhabalipuram.
The work on the stretch is likely to be completed before the deadline
of March 2016 and could even cut down road accidents besides provide
much needed relief to 30,000 passengers who take the East Coast Road.
The stretch, which currently has a toll booth in Uthandi, will also
have an additional booth in Mahabalipuram.
A TNRDC official told Express that the work on the Rs 300 crore
project is a joint venture project by two contractors and work has
started last year despite the land being acquired in 1995.
“The cost is only Rs 300 crore as we had acquired the land in 1995.
Now it could run into thousands of crore,” he said.
Talking about the revenue from the toll booth, the official said that
on an average the collection is around Rs three to Rs five lakh. “With
the Mahabalipuram toll booth functioning, the collection could be
around Rs 10 lakh,” he said.
Interestingly, the width of the road in ECR is now 24 metres and the
official says it has the capacity to be expanded into six lane.
“Now we will also be having service lanes on both sides besides four
lanes with a central median,” he said.
The official said that this could be one of the model roads and plans
are on to have 62 bus bays besides proper drainage system so that
water doesn’t stagnate on the road.
He said tenders have been floated to remove the electricity poles near
the road besides shifting of power transformers.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: 10km elevated stretch of Metro rail to be thrown o...
writingonblog uncensored: 10km elevated stretch of Metro rail to be thrown o...: Chennai: The 10km elevated stretch from Koyambedu to Alandur will be thrown open for inspection by Commissioner of Rail safety in Bangalo...
10km elevated stretch of Metro rail to be thrown open for final inspection next week
Chennai:
The 10km elevated stretch from Koyambedu to Alandur will be thrown
open for inspection by Commissioner of Rail safety in Bangalore next
week to seek his clearance for the commercial run even as Metro Rail is set to prepare a detailed project report for the second phase in three corridors.
The anxiety of Chennaites to board the train has been growing even
though the project has been hit by series of delays.
“The stretch is ready for inspection. Once we get the clearance then
it is up to the state government to give us the date for commencement
of operations,” the official said.
It is also likely that the initial commercial run would be done
manually and with some of the minor works pending. To a query on
whether the fares have been fixed or not, the official said everything
would be done once the clearance is given by rail safety commissioner.
The work in the underground stretch is progressing smoothly. Track
works are in progress at underground section between Egmore Metro and
Nehru Park and between Thirumangalam and Shenoy Nagar.
Meanwhile, the detailed project report for the second phase is going
to be prepared. Chennai Metro Rail has identified three corridors in
the second phase. These include Madhavaram to Lighthouse (17 Km),
Koyambedu to Injambakkam (27 Km) and Madhavaram to Perumbakkam (32
Km).
The consultant who will selected through the tenders will conduct
topographic survey to establish the alignment, right of way, locations
of stations, interchange points, maintenance depots and identification
of land reservation requirements, building lines, number of properties
affected, etc., along the metro Corridor
The consultant will also carryout preliminary Environmental Impact
(EIA) study along the suggested corridors and propose Environment
Management Plan (EMP) for construction and operation phase.
Study will also devote special attention to impact on traffic during
construction, any adverse impact on the adjacent properties, business
in the area and the impact on general quality of life in the project
influence area. The Socio-economic impact in the area must be
realistically assessed and suitable mitigation measures recommended.
Factfile (suggested corridors):
Corridor 1
Madhavaram-Perambur–
road–Gemini-Radhakrishnan Salai-Luz-Lighthouse (17 Km)
Corridor 2
Koyambedu – Saligramam – Vadapalani – Kodambakkam - Panagal
Park–Nandanam-Luz–Mandeveli–
Nagar-Tiruvanmiyur–Kottivakkam -Injambakkam (27 Km)
Corridor 3
Madhavaram – Kolathur – Villivakkam - Anna Nagar west – Mugappair –
Maduravoyal – Valsarawakkam - Trade centre – OTA - Adambakkam –
Madipakkam – Kilkattalai - Medavakkam – Perumbakkam (32 Km)
The 10km elevated stretch from Koyambedu to Alandur will be thrown
open for inspection by Commissioner of Rail safety in Bangalore next
week to seek his clearance for the commercial run even as Metro Rail is set to prepare a detailed project report for the second phase in three corridors.
The anxiety of Chennaites to board the train has been growing even
though the project has been hit by series of delays.
“The stretch is ready for inspection. Once we get the clearance then
it is up to the state government to give us the date for commencement
of operations,” the official said.
It is also likely that the initial commercial run would be done
manually and with some of the minor works pending. To a query on
whether the fares have been fixed or not, the official said everything
would be done once the clearance is given by rail safety commissioner.
The work in the underground stretch is progressing smoothly. Track
works are in progress at underground section between Egmore Metro and
Nehru Park and between Thirumangalam and Shenoy Nagar.
Meanwhile, the detailed project report for the second phase is going
to be prepared. Chennai Metro Rail has identified three corridors in
the second phase. These include Madhavaram to Lighthouse (17 Km),
Koyambedu to Injambakkam (27 Km) and Madhavaram to Perumbakkam (32
Km).
The consultant who will selected through the tenders will conduct
topographic survey to establish the alignment, right of way, locations
of stations, interchange points, maintenance depots and identification
of land reservation requirements, building lines, number of properties
affected, etc., along the metro Corridor
The consultant will also carryout preliminary Environmental Impact
(EIA) study along the suggested corridors and propose Environment
Management Plan (EMP) for construction and operation phase.
Study will also devote special attention to impact on traffic during
construction, any adverse impact on the adjacent properties, business
in the area and the impact on general quality of life in the project
influence area. The Socio-economic impact in the area must be
realistically assessed and suitable mitigation measures recommended.
Factfile (suggested corridors):
Corridor 1
Madhavaram-Perambur–
road–Gemini-Radhakrishnan Salai-Luz-Lighthouse (17 Km)
Corridor 2
Koyambedu – Saligramam – Vadapalani – Kodambakkam - Panagal
Park–Nandanam-Luz–Mandeveli–
Nagar-Tiruvanmiyur–Kottivakkam -Injambakkam (27 Km)
Corridor 3
Madhavaram – Kolathur – Villivakkam - Anna Nagar west – Mugappair –
Maduravoyal – Valsarawakkam - Trade centre – OTA - Adambakkam –
Madipakkam – Kilkattalai - Medavakkam – Perumbakkam (32 Km)
writingonblog uncensored: CBI likely to summon more TN cops to Mumbai for in...
writingonblog uncensored: CBI likely to summon more TN cops to Mumbai for in...: Chennai: Police officials from Tamil Nadu are likely to be summoned by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai for enquiry into the...
CBI likely to summon more TN cops to Mumbai for investigation into police-lawyer clash in HC
Chennai:
Police officials from Tamil Nadu are likely to be summoned by Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai for enquiry into the clashes
between advocates and police officials on the Madras High court campus
on February 19, 2009.
A CBI source told Express that additional director general of police
and former commissioner of Chennai city police, K Radhakrishnan was
summoned by CBI in Mumbai this week. Radhakrishnan is one of the three
police officials whose suspension was ordered by Madras High Court
following the clash.
The suspension was put on hold after a special leave petition was
filed in Supreme Court. The other two officials include M
Ramasubramani, who is inspector general central zone, and A K
Viswanathan, Coimbatore city police commissioner.
CBI sources said that they would quiz more officials if required.
“Radhakrishnan has been summoned this week. If required more officials
may be called,” CBI sources added.
Monday, March 16, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: Study to help TN frame incentives to promote green...
writingonblog uncensored: Study to help TN frame incentives to promote green...: C Shivakumar Chennai: A study to help Tamil Nadu formulate a policy framework for deciding the incentives to promote green buildings i...
Study to help TN frame incentives to promote green buildings to be ready in next 4 months
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
A study to help Tamil Nadu formulate a policy framework for deciding
the incentives to promote green buildings in the state will be
completed in next four months, according to official sources.
The study, which is being conducted by Bangalore-based The Energy
Research Institute, is 30 per cent completed and a final report is
expected within four months time.
A green building is a structure that is environmentally responsible
and resource-efficient throughout its life-cycle.
The study is being conducted after the government in its endeavour to
promote green buildings in private sector announced in the legislative
assembly last year that incentives for green buildings after a
systematic review.
The study ‘Formulating of Incentives Policy for promoting Green
Buildings in Tamil Nadu’ is being done at a cost of around Rs 35 lakh
and is expected to suggest appropriate operational procedure for
implementing the recommendations for incentives emerging out of the
study so that any incentives offered fully meet the purpose without
any leakage.
It is learnt that consultants would study various concessions,
incentives or any other support offered by the Union governments or
planning and development authorities and other departments in the
Centre for promoting green buildings.
The study would also make an inventory of different rating systems
available for Green buildings and make a comparative analysis to
arrive at common criteria for feature of availing appropriate
incentives.
Currently, India is the third country in the world with over 2.2
billion square feet of green building footprint. Builders say that the
construction costs of a green building is 3 to 5 per cent higher for a
platinum building than a conventional building, but the incremental
cost gets paid back within 3 to 4 years with substantial reduction in
operational costs.
Factfile:
1. Green buildings efficiently use and harvest energy, water, and
materials; and protect and restore human health and the environment,
throughout the building life-cycle.
2. A green building may cost more up front, but can save money over
the life of the building through lower operating costs.
3. Conventional buildings in India consume about 20% of country’s
total electricity and have a significant impact on the environment and
resources
4. TN has already constructed Green houses in rural areas
5. The study will help formulate ratings for green buildings in the state
6. India has two green building rating systems -- LEED by IGBC and
GRIHA by TERI.
Chennai:
A study to help Tamil Nadu formulate a policy framework for deciding
the incentives to promote green buildings in the state will be
completed in next four months, according to official sources.
The study, which is being conducted by Bangalore-based The Energy
Research Institute, is 30 per cent completed and a final report is
expected within four months time.
A green building is a structure that is environmentally responsible
and resource-efficient throughout its life-cycle.
The study is being conducted after the government in its endeavour to
promote green buildings in private sector announced in the legislative
assembly last year that incentives for green buildings after a
systematic review.
The study ‘Formulating of Incentives Policy for promoting Green
Buildings in Tamil Nadu’ is being done at a cost of around Rs 35 lakh
and is expected to suggest appropriate operational procedure for
implementing the recommendations for incentives emerging out of the
study so that any incentives offered fully meet the purpose without
any leakage.
It is learnt that consultants would study various concessions,
incentives or any other support offered by the Union governments or
planning and development authorities and other departments in the
Centre for promoting green buildings.
The study would also make an inventory of different rating systems
available for Green buildings and make a comparative analysis to
arrive at common criteria for feature of availing appropriate
incentives.
Currently, India is the third country in the world with over 2.2
billion square feet of green building footprint. Builders say that the
construction costs of a green building is 3 to 5 per cent higher for a
platinum building than a conventional building, but the incremental
cost gets paid back within 3 to 4 years with substantial reduction in
operational costs.
Factfile:
1. Green buildings efficiently use and harvest energy, water, and
materials; and protect and restore human health and the environment,
throughout the building life-cycle.
2. A green building may cost more up front, but can save money over
the life of the building through lower operating costs.
3. Conventional buildings in India consume about 20% of country’s
total electricity and have a significant impact on the environment and
resources
4. TN has already constructed Green houses in rural areas
5. The study will help formulate ratings for green buildings in the state
6. India has two green building rating systems -- LEED by IGBC and
GRIHA by TERI.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: TN gives administrative sanction for Rs 1371.86 cr...
writingonblog uncensored: TN gives administrative sanction for Rs 1371.86 cr...: 150 MLD plant to be funded by state govt C Shivakumar Chennai: The city’s dream of third desalination is going to be realised with Tamil Na...
TN gives administrative sanction for Rs 1371.86 crore third desal plant
150 MLD plant to be funded by state govt
C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The city’s dream of third desalination is going to be realised with
Tamil Nadu government giving administrative sanction for setting up
150 MLD sea water reverse osmosis desalination plant at Nemelli along
East Coast Road at a cost of Rs 1371.86 crore.
The administrative sanction to the project was accorded by the state
government after delay by Centre to release funds as the New Urban
Renewal Mission schemes and its guidelines are yet to be formulated by
the Centre.
The desalination plant, built in 10 acres of land, will quench the
thirst of extended areas of South and Western Chennai.
The project was announced by then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J
Jayalalithaa on the floor of the assembly on April 16, 2013 to meet
the additional requirement of water for the expanded Chennai city.
The sanction also comes when the storage in reservoirs supplying water
to city is dwindling. Currently, the city is dependent on Krishna
Water and the city is not getting the adequate quantity due to illegal
tapping of water for irrigation along the canal.
A Metro Water official said that there is no other alternative source
of water for Chennai other than the two desalination plants in Nemelli
and Minjur which produce 100 MLD each.
It is learnt that the Metro Water has urged the Centre to take up the
project initially from Tamil Nadu government funds and later to be
adjusted with grants sanctioned by Union government or through loan
from KfW, a German government-owned development bank, based in
Frankfurt.
The project is to be taken up with 50 per cent of the project cost as
grant from Union Ministry of Urban Development. However, if no grants
are recieved from Centre, then the state will fund the project with
balance 50 per cent of the project cost from KfW or other loan which
will be repaid out of the Chennai Mega City Development Mission funds
over the repayment period.
Factfile:
---- Project: 150 MLD desalination plant
---- To be built on: Nemelli along ECR (water main up to Perur)
---- Announced on: April 16, 2013
---- Total cost: 1,371.86 crore
---- Op and maintenance cost: Rs 36.56 per KL
---- Reason
for delay: GOI yet to finalise New Urban Renewal Mission schemes
---- Administrative sanction: March 9, 2015
---- Initial Funding pattern:
-- 50pc of project cost as grant from MoUD
If Centre denies funds:
TN to fund 50 pc project
Balance 50pc from KfW loan
Repayment of loan through Chennai Mega City Development Mission funds
Friday, March 13, 2015
writingonblog uncensored: New IREL plant produces 3pc of global Rare Earths ...
writingonblog uncensored: New IREL plant produces 3pc of global Rare Earths ...: New Delhi: The total production of Rare Earths in the country by Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) during the last five years (2009-14...
New IREL plant produces 3pc of global Rare Earths Oxide
The total production of Rare Earths in the country by Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) during the last five years (2009-14) is 310.145 metric tonnes and the total sale of the Rare Earths during the same period is 285.90 metric tonnes.
However, recently, Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) has set up a 10,000 tonne per annum Monazite Processing Plant (MoPP) at its Orissa Sand Complex (OSCOM) unit at Chhattrapur, Odisha. The Plant is designed to produce 11,000 tonne per annum Mixed Rare Earths Chloride (MRECL), equivalent to 5,000 tonnes of Rare Earths Oxide (REO) at its full capacity and it is in its final stage of commissioning.
This production capacity is about 3pc of the current global production of Rare Earths Oxide, which is estimated at 1,30,000 tonne per annum. Further, IREL has developed technology to produce Separated Rare Earths Oxides (SREOs) of various purities up to their very high pure form from MRECL and this facility at rare earth division at Alwaye, Kerala is also under commissioning. The facility can process 5,500 tonnes of MRECL.
In addition, IREL, in collaboration with its technology partners such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad is also developing the process of making Rare Earth Metal from SREO and further convert them to permanent magnets of high power density.
This information was provided by MoS in the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in a reply to an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha.
writingonblog uncensored: School amenities shrunk for commercial complex
writingonblog uncensored: School amenities shrunk for commercial complex: By C Shivakumar Chennai: Two hundred and fifty students of Pallavaram Primary School will now have to live with less space to play...
School amenities shrunk for commercial complex
By C Shivakumar
Chennai:
Two hundred and fifty students of Pallavaram Primary School will now
have to live with less space to play as Pallavaram Municipality has
taken a portion of their land for building a commercial complex.
The commercial complex has been built despite the opposition from the
school authorities who feel it will pose difficulty for the students
to access the school.
Interestingly, now students have to share part of their campus with 18
shopping establishments as Pallavaram Municipality constructed a
commercial complex near the entrance of the school by demolishing the
gate.
The New Pallavaram Municipal Commissioner Ramamoorthy, who took charge
a month ago, said that the complex has been built to accommodate nine
shops that were removed to facilitate expansion of the GST road. “The
land belongs to the municipality and hence we are building the
commercial complex,” he said.
The commissioner said that only five feet of the school land was being
taken from the school, as opposed to the ten feet that has been
alleged. However, Express discovered that 18 shops and not nine shops,
as explained by the commissioner, were being built.
Sources said that this move would put a stress on the atmosphere in
the school. It is learnt that the school initially had opposed the
move to build an additional floor to accommodate nine more shops but
officials did not pay any heed and went ahead with the construction.
“We are not against building the nine shops which had been demolished
due to Highway works. But our concern is the construction of an
additional floor with nine more shops. This will prove to be a hurdle
to the educational institution,” a source said on condition of
anonymity.
A parent said that the school now lacks visibility from the main road,
while the play ground has also shrunk. It is learnt that the school’s
entrance gate is likely to be shifted to other part of the campus.
Responding to the queries, the municipal commissioner said that debris
was being removed from the playground, while gate would be
built at the school’s entrance. “We have also built two toilets and
are planning to have four smart classes,” he said.
It is learnt that the damaged gate has been removed and a 10 feet high
gate is being proposed.The earth work has been completed for
installing the gate besides concrete work will be completed in 10 days
and the gate will be fixed, sources added
Metro Water to plug 179 sewer outfalls by January 2016
Chennai:
In a bid to cleanse Cooum and stop untreated sewers from reaching the
waterways of Chennai, Chennai Metro Water has vowed that it will be
plugging 179 outfalls by January next year.
A Chennai Metro Water spokesman told Express on Tuesday that Metro
Water has already plugged 51 outfalls and it will be plugging another
128 outfalls by January 2016.
It is learnt that then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was keen on
plugging the outfalls and has allocated Rs 150 crore from state
infrastructure amenities fund to plug the 179 outfalls under the first
phase. Sources said a total of 337 outfalls have been identified that
is polluting the waterways by letting out untreated sewers.
The move comes after previous DMK regime failed to plug the outfalls
in Adyar River, Cooum River, Buckingham Canal, Otteri Nullah, Captain
Cotton Canal and Mambalam drain despite the completion of Rs 1,700
crore Chennai City River Conservation (CCRC) Project to prevent
untreated sewer from reaching the waterways.
The spokesman said that the financial sanction for the project was
accorded in 2013 and the work was carried out on January 2014.
“The works include upgrading 28 sewer pumping stations besides
construction of two roadside pumping stations to treat the untreated
sewage,”the spokesman said.
The outfalls have been identified on Royapuram, R K Nagar, Kolathur,
Thiru-vi-ka Nagar, Villivakkam, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Egmore, Chetpet,
T Nagar, Mylapore, Virugambakkam and Velachery.
The city has six waterways that have been functioning as flood
carriers during monsoon. These include Adyar River, Cooum River,
Buckingham Canal, Otteri Nullah, Captain Cotton Canal and Mambalam
drain.
Flow in these water courses in most part of the year is mainly due to
discharge of treated, partially treated and untreated sewage through
outfalls resulting in accumulation of large number of sludge and
formation of sandbar in the mouths of the rivers.
Box:
Total Outfalls identified: 337
Funds required: Rs 300 cr
Sewage outfalls:
Cooum: 105
Buckingham Canal: 183
Adyar Basin: 49
First Phase: 179 outfalls
Funds allocated: Rs 150 crore
Total outfalls plugged: 51
Outfalls yet to be plugged: 128
Target: January 2016
In a bid to cleanse Cooum and stop untreated sewers from reaching the
waterways of Chennai, Chennai Metro Water has vowed that it will be
plugging 179 outfalls by January next year.
A Chennai Metro Water spokesman told Express on Tuesday that Metro
Water has already plugged 51 outfalls and it will be plugging another
128 outfalls by January 2016.
It is learnt that then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was keen on
plugging the outfalls and has allocated Rs 150 crore from state
infrastructure amenities fund to plug the 179 outfalls under the first
phase. Sources said a total of 337 outfalls have been identified that
is polluting the waterways by letting out untreated sewers.
The move comes after previous DMK regime failed to plug the outfalls
in Adyar River, Cooum River, Buckingham Canal, Otteri Nullah, Captain
Cotton Canal and Mambalam drain despite the completion of Rs 1,700
crore Chennai City River Conservation (CCRC) Project to prevent
untreated sewer from reaching the waterways.
The spokesman said that the financial sanction for the project was
accorded in 2013 and the work was carried out on January 2014.
“The works include upgrading 28 sewer pumping stations besides
construction of two roadside pumping stations to treat the untreated
sewage,”the spokesman said.
The outfalls have been identified on Royapuram, R K Nagar, Kolathur,
Thiru-vi-ka Nagar, Villivakkam, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Egmore, Chetpet,
T Nagar, Mylapore, Virugambakkam and Velachery.
The city has six waterways that have been functioning as flood
carriers during monsoon. These include Adyar River, Cooum River,
Buckingham Canal, Otteri Nullah, Captain Cotton Canal and Mambalam
drain.
Flow in these water courses in most part of the year is mainly due to
discharge of treated, partially treated and untreated sewage through
outfalls resulting in accumulation of large number of sludge and
formation of sandbar in the mouths of the rivers.
Box:
Total Outfalls identified: 337
Funds required: Rs 300 cr
Sewage outfalls:
Cooum: 105
Buckingham Canal: 183
Adyar Basin: 49
First Phase: 179 outfalls
Funds allocated: Rs 150 crore
Total outfalls plugged: 51
Outfalls yet to be plugged: 128
Target: January 2016
Thursday, March 12, 2015
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