writingonblog uncensored: TN sets July 6 deadline to file report on fire saf...

writingonblog uncensored: TN sets July 6 deadline to file report on fire saf...: C Shivakumar @ Chennai: Tamil Nadu government has asked joint directors of health services to submit a report before July 6 regarding ...

TN sets July 6 deadline to file report on fire safety in hospitals

C Shivakumar @ Chennai:

Tamil Nadu government has asked joint directors of health services to submit a report before July 6 regarding fire safety and regular preparedness for emergencies in all private and government hospitals.

The move comes after the three-month deadline by Madras High Court to implement fully its order with regard to provision of ramps and fire-fighting equipment in hospitals in the state is coming to an end.

A circular which was issued by Office of the Director Medical and Rural Health Services which was accessed by Express states that as per the Madras High Court directive and state government’s instructive order the joint directors of health services have to do a self assessment study of their facility with the assistance of various departments and submit a report highlighting the deficits and remedial actions needed for fire safety.

It is learnt that Public Works department, Tamil Nadu Fire Services, Directorate of Town and Country Planning Department, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, state electricity board and other departments have been asked to help the joint directors of health services in submitting the report.

The report should focus on recommendations, compliance with fire safety guidelines, training to staff and other remedial measures and time required to overcome the gaps.

Interestingly, all hospitals including government, private sector, corporate, Non government Organisation run hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, health care institutions and other similar centres in the districts will undergo inspections, sources said.

The exercise is being undertaken following the Madras High Court order in September last year in a case filed by social activist Jawaharlal Shanmugham. 

On October 2016, the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department filed an affidavit, according to which not a single government hospital in Chennai has fire safety compliance certificate, which is mandated by law. For any hospital, having a standard disaster management protocol is a must which otherwise would risk the lives of inpatients

writingonblog uncensored: One lakh bi-cycle trips undertaken from CMRL metro...

writingonblog uncensored: One lakh bi-cycle trips undertaken from CMRL metro...: CHENNAI: More than one lakh bi-cycle trips have been undertaken by Chennai Metro Rail commuters since the bi-cycle scheme was introduced ...

One lakh bi-cycle trips undertaken from CMRL metro stations

CHENNAI:

More than one lakh bi-cycle trips have been undertaken by Chennai Metro Rail commuters since the bi-cycle scheme was introduced from January 2017.

A Chennai Metro rail spokesperson said that the bi-cycle scheme was introduced as part of the initiative to ensure last-mile connectivity and most of the commuters are availing the service.

Currently, three bi-cycle schemes are prevalent at Chennai Metro Stations. These include Chennai Metro Rail Bi-Cycle scheme which was launched on January 2017 at 12 metro stations, a GPS enabled bi-cycle scheme by PEDL bi-cycle scheme by Zoom Car from October 2017 at three metro stations and 100-hours of free rides bi-cycle scheme by Athi’s Cycles from October 2017.

The spokeswoman said that Chennai Metro Rail bi-cycle scheme which was introduced at 12 metro stations which include Nehru Park, Kilpauk, Pachaiyappa’s College, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar Tower, Thirumangalam, Koyambedu, Ashok Nagar, Ekkatuthangal, Alandur, St Thomas Mount and Little Mount has attracted commuters. “In the 12 stations alone, a total of 50,500 cycle trips were recorded.

Similarly, the GPS enabled bi-cycle scheme by Zoom Car which was introduced on October 2017 at Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar East Tower and Anna Nagar East has recorded 36,450 trips, according to Chennai Metro. The company has around 50 cycles at the three metro stations and has launched an introductory fare of Re 1 for half an hour with zero security deposit.

Similarly, the 100 hours of free rides bi-cycle scheme by Athi’s Cycles, Kochi-based company that was instrumental in introducing eco-friendly concept, from October 2017 at six metro stations namely Nehru park, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar East, Thirumangalam, Vadapalani and Ashok Nagar had recorded 14,580 trips.

Talking about other means of last mile connectivity, the spokesperson said that Chennai Metro has also launched bike rental services, a pilot project where in motorcycle rentals has commenced fromat Thirumangalam and Airport Metro stations from June 3.

It si also learnt that  Chennai Metro Rail is  setting up electric vehicle (EV) charging facility at four metro stations in partnership with PowerGrid Corporation of India Ltd. The electric bike charging stations will be set up by PowerGrid Corporation at Tirumangalam, St Thomas Mount, Alandur and Koyambedu Metro Stations.

Chennai Metro is planning to launch e-bikes and is in talks with a Bengaluru based company, Metro Rail sources said. It is learnt that the e-bikes scheme could be more or less akin to that introduced by Bengaluru Metro.

writingonblog uncensored: Two new art installations at Los Angeles Internati...

writingonblog uncensored: Two new art installations at Los Angeles Internati...: Mumbai:   Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), has anno...

Two new art installations at Los Angeles International Airport

Mumbai:

 Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), has announced two new art installations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) featuring works by Los Angeles-based artists that reference physical and fantastical landscapes.

"Los Angeles is a dynamic place, and these two artworks, Xing LA: From Altadena to Long Beach and Lost Los Angeles, embody the dual nature of our region—a land of endless imagination, but also of urban reality,” said Sarah Cifarelli, Art Director, LAWA. "We are proud to feature the work of local artists at LAX, and bring the beauty and thoughtfulness of these creations to engage and delight our guests from around the world."

Bia Gayotto’s three-screen video installation, Xing LA: From Altadena to Long Beach, documents the artist’s three parallel routes of travel— by train, by car, and by foot—from the mountains to the sea. Gayotto’s installation is on view for the public in Terminal 6, Departures Level. 

Paige Smith’s site-specific installation, titled Lost Los Angeles, features thousands of handmade gold paper “geodes,” creating what looks like an enchanted excavation site glowing with geode growth for passengers to unearth.  Lost Los Angeles is on view for ticketed passengers in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Customs Hallway, Arrivals Level. 

Both installations are on display through January 2019.

writingonblog uncensored: TN regularization of school buildings violates NDM...

writingonblog uncensored: TN regularization of school buildings violates NDM...: C Shivakumar @ Chennai: The state government move to accord amnesty to educational institution buildings, including schools, constructed p...

TN regularization of school buildings violates NDMA guidelines of School Safety Policy

C Shivakumar @ Chennai:
The state government move to accord amnesty to educational institution buildings, including schools, constructed prior to January 1, 2011 in non-plan areas of Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Tamil Nadu violates the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines of School Safety Policy, 2016, which is statutory in nature and framed after Supreme Court verdict last year, according to experts.

A Narayanan, the trustee and director of Change India, a Centre for Advocacy and Research, told Express that the Government Order according approval for buildings of educational institutions functioning prior to January 1, 2011 in non-plan areas is totally against the NDMA guidelines of 2016 which was drafted to comply with Supreme Court of India order dated August 14, 2017.

Interestingly, it was based on his petition, Madras High court has asked the director of school education to constitute a committee in each district to inspect all schools and ensure they conform to requisite building regulations and safety norms.

Narayanan says that regularization of school buildings built before 2011 without ensuring that the school buildings abide by National Building Code violates NDMA guidelines and tantamount to Contempt of Court.

However, Directorate of Town and Country Planning official says that no fresh permissions are being accorded to schools. “This is only for those schools that have been functioning prior to 2011.  They have been functioning for ages and they abide by the fire safety norms. The concurrence is being given only after ensuring the structural stability is ascertained and the schools abide by the fire and other safety norms,” the official said.

The move by the government comes as the schools operating prior to 2011 have been suffering a lot with many wanting to migrate from matriculation to Central Board of Secondary Education schools so that state students could compete in NEET examinations, sources added as well as many want to renovate their buildings.

Association of Professional Town Planners (APTP) K M Sadanandh told Express that after the Kumbakonnam fire tragedy, the Supreme Court passed an order in 2009 and 2017 after going through the writ petition filed by Avinash Mehrotra in 2004. Prior to the order passed in 2017 by Supreme Court, NDMA had submitted Guidelines on School Safety Policy before the Apex Court and it was later made mandatory for the states to comply. A circular was issued to all states and union territories on September 1, 2017.

However, Tamil Nadu where the fire tragedy has happened has ignored the norms, alleges Sadanandh. And the current regularization scheme for schools, which spells out 10 norms of both state and Centre, fails to put forth conditions stipulated by NDMA, which are statutory in nature, when taken into account the safety of schools.

Interestingly, the GO also violates the Section 47-A of Town and Country Planning Act. According to APTP, the entire GO was allegedly prepared based on representation from schools and college association without complying to Base Act and Rule and building norms and code to ensure minimum safety & planning norms.

Narayanan says that it will be difficult for schools to comply by the norms as the officials have been giving conditional approval to all these buildings. The ball is before the apex court to ensure NDMA guidelines which were stipulated as per its order are complied.

Factfile;

1. The NDMA guideline which is statutory in nature says that all existing as well as new schools conform to safety standards as per the National Building Code.

2. The guidelines stipulate that ‘Recognition Certificate’ under sub-rule (4) 15 of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010 be issued to only those schools that comply with safety norms prescribed by the state

3. It also calls for Review of progress on non-structural safety measures in schools

4. For design of structural standards of school building and its components such as corridors, staircases, side areas, quality of construction should be as per the National Building Code 2005

What state promised in its 2012 order;

1. The state has issued orders in 2012 suggesting measures to be followed for the safety of children studying in schools in all government or government aided and private schools in Tamil Nadu.

2. These include structural safety measures, safety precautions with regard to open wells, water tanks, septic tanks and staircases etc.

3. The order also talks of safe drinking water provision as well as safe sanitation facilities.

4. In addition, safe electrical connections, seating arrangements, assembly class room environment and infrastructure, school vehicles and first aid have been covered

(Source: NDMA ‘Guidelines on School Safety Policy, 2016)

Issues:

Issues:

1. Builders, promoters and contractors don’t have awareness to employ qualified professionals and engage in standard construction practices as per National Building code 2005.

2.  The state government has yet to approve Tamil Nadu Common Building

writingonblog uncensored: Two arrested, gold worth Rs 93 lakh seized

writingonblog uncensored: Two arrested, gold worth Rs 93 lakh seized: CHENNAI: Two persons were arrested and 3kg of gold worth Rs 93 lakh was seized by sleuths of Air Intelligence Unit while on surveillance...

Two arrested, gold worth Rs 93 lakh seized

CHENNAI:

Two persons were arrested and 3kg of gold worth Rs 93 lakh was seized by sleuths of Air Intelligence Unit while on surveillance at tarmac area on Tuesday.

Officers of Air Intelligence Unit, based on inputs from the Crime and Intelligence Wing of CISF intercepted one airline staff along with one passenger,  who had arrived from Dubai  by Oman Airline flight.

The two persons were behaving in a nervous and incoherent manner.  From the passport, the passenger was identified as Rashid, (31) from Kasargod in Kerela. And from the permanent pass issued by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the airline staff  was identified as P Vijay Murugan, (28), who is employed as Customer Agent in Air India Air Travel Services Ltd (Air India), a Customs release stated.

On personal search of P Vijay Murugan (28), 24  gold bars of 10 tolas each and 2 gold plates gold totally weighing 3 kg valued at Rs 93 lakhs which were  concealed in two black mobile flip covers were recovered . On further interrogation, Murugan confessed that the gold was given to him by Rashid and he was supposed to hand over the gold to him outside the Airport. Further investigation is on

writingonblog uncensored: Land acquisition for 48 stations under 2nd Phase o...

writingonblog uncensored: Land acquisition for 48 stations under 2nd Phase o...: Properties to be acquired under Tamil Nadu Acquisition of land for Industrial Purposes Act   Chennai: The land acquisition for Rs 85,0...

Land acquisition for 48 stations under 2nd Phase of Chennai Metro begins

Properties to be acquired under Tamil Nadu Acquisition of land for Industrial Purposes Act

 Chennai:

The land acquisition for Rs 85,000 crore Second Phase of Chennai Metro has begun but the land will be acquired under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act 1997 rather than The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (also Land Acquisition Act, 2013) to ensure the entire process is carried out smoothly.

A Metro Rail official told Express that they will be acquiring 86 acres of land for 55km stretch for Corridor 3 and 5 planned under the Second Phase but the compensation for the land acquired will be not be paid under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act 1997.

“We will be paying compensation under the The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013," said sources acquiring land for the project.

It is learnt that majority of the land which will be acquired for the project will be government land.

A Metro rail spokesman said that notices are being issued for the proposed 48 stations. “We have issued 410 notices for the proposed 19 stations and will be issuing 400 more for the proposed 29 stations,” the spokesman said.

It is learnt that notices have been issued to residents and commercial establishments in Madhavaram, Sembium, Perumbur, Otteri, Sterling road and near Gemini flyover in Nungambakkam, Chepet and Purusaiwalkam where corridor 3 and 5 is planned. Initially, only 55km of the 107.55km will be taken up under the second phase.

Notices have been issued for acquiring land for developing Madhavaram yard and stations. On Monday, Chennai Metro issued notices to acquiring land for Chetpet Metro Station, Sterling Road junction Metro Station, Nungambakkam Metro Station, Gemini Metro Station, Purusaiwalkam Metro Station etc.

Chennai Metro Rail has already submitted a revised Detailed Project Report seeking Rs 80,000 crore for implementing the Second Phase of Chennai Metro which will have three corridors.

These include Madhavaram-Siruseri, Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT)-Lighthouse and Madhavaram-Sholinganallur. Interestingly, the project from Lighthouse near Marina Beach to Poonamallee in the city outskirts is being added at an additional cost of 3,850 crore.

While the land is being acquired, the Detailed Project Report has yet to get the approval from the Centre as the state has yet to come up with revised Comprehensive Urban Mobility  under the National Transit Oriented Development Policy.

Sources indicated that Chennai Metro Rail has started the work to prepare a Comprehensive Urban Mobility Plan after funds worth Rs 2.12 crore was sanctioned for the project .

Factfile:

1. A total of 55km of stretch under Second phase will be implemented

2. Most of the land acquired will be government properties

3. The land will be acquired under Tamil Nadu Acquisition for Land for Industrial Purposes Act 1997 (Tamil Nadu Act 10 of 1999) and compensation will be paid as per the new land acquisition act of 2013.

4. A total of 86 acres of land has to be acquired for the project which mostly would be underground stretch.

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai Metro Water launches feasibility study to ...

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai Metro Water launches feasibility study to ...: Chennai: Chennai Metro water has begun feasibility studies to convert Kolathur Rettai Eri with an area of 380 hectares and capacity of 1...

Chennai Metro Water launches feasibility study to convert Rettai Eri as reservoir

Chennai:

Chennai Metro water has begun feasibility studies to convert Kolathur Rettai Eri with an area of 380 hectares and capacity of 110 million cubic feet as another reservoir of city.

The feasibility studies include water quality analysis, estimating water availability using bathymetry survey, pollution mitigations and appropriate water treatment methods.

Metro water sources said that they are ascertaining the feasibility of whether the water is potable or not and it will be supplied to residents in the event of drought. “We will be supplying 3 to 4 million litres of water per day (MLD),” Metro Water sources said.

This is part of Chennai Metro water’s strategy in restoring the traditional water bodies for domestic water needs.

writingonblog uncensored: Foundation stone to be laid for AAI research and d...

writingonblog uncensored: Foundation stone to be laid for AAI research and d...: Chennai: The foundation stone for world class research and development centre of Airport Authority of India will be laid on June 28 by U...

Foundation stone to be laid for AAI research and development Centre on June 28

Chennai:

The foundation stone for world class research and development centre of Airport Authority of India will be laid on June 28 by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, according to regional executive director S Sreekumar.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) has embarked upon creation of world class Research & Development Center at Hyderabad to develop in-house research capabilities in the field of airport and air navigation services, he said.

Sreekumar said the Civil Aviation Research Organization will be established at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad over an area of about 27 acres with a budget of approximately Rs.1200 crore spread over 12 years for Infrastructure development and Rs 31 Crores annually that will be spent towards research activities every year.

AAI has already joined hands with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, to take up collaborative research on Air Navigation Systems. This would support AAI in addressing aviation infrastructure and air traffic management challenges.

IIT Madras will provide transfer of knowledge /skill in the areas of Mathematical/Analytical/Artificial Intelligence/Data mining solutions that are essential to carry out research.

writingonblog uncensored: Sand crisis hits road projects in TN

writingonblog uncensored: Sand crisis hits road projects in TN: C Shivakumar @ Chennai: The sand crisis in Tamil Nadu, which has already hit the construction sector, is now affecting the road constructi...

Sand crisis hits road projects in TN

C Shivakumar @ Chennai:
The sand crisis in Tamil Nadu, which has already hit the construction sector, is now affecting the road construction projects and Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allowed contractors to go in for bituminous roads with a shelf life of 15 years.

“Instead of rigid pavement or concrete roads, we are going in for flexible pavement,” said Chief general manager Alok Deepankar (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka).

Rigid pavement and Flexible pavement are the two types of road pavement design methods to withstand the load acting from the wheel tyres.  While, rigid pavements have a concrete layer at the top, the base course and soil subgrade are under it and it has a shelf life of 30 years. In flexible pavement, the road would be bituminous and it has a shelf life of 15 years, said Deepankar.

The decision to change from rigid to flexible pavement in ongoing contracts was taken after the difficulty faced by contractors to procure sand due to restrictions posed by Madras High court.

Deepankar, however, parried away queries on which all stretches have been affected due to sand crisis. “The order has been passed on June 21. We will be evaluating and will get a clear picture after a month,” he said.

“If any contractor decides to change the rigid pavement to flexible pavement due to shortage of sand or other materials, he will have to pass on 30 per cent of the rigid pavement cost in that contract to authority,” said Deepankar.

Ruling out that road projects will be hit by the sand crisis, he said that there is availability of m-sand and it can be used for the project.

“The state government is planning to import sand and this could also tide away the sand crisis,” the official said.

Interestingly, Kamarajar Port is set to handle the sand cargo and necessary arrangements have been made at the multi-cargo berth, Chennai and Kamarajar Port chairman P Raveendran said.

“We have got all clearances and are waiting for the arrival of the vessels,” he said.

However, the bigger question remains whether the state has given the work order for import of import of five lakh tonnes of natural river sand.

Factfile:

1.  After difficulties faced by contractors in implementing road projects due to sand crisis, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has agreed to go in for bitumen instead of concrete roads.

2.  This would mean that the shelf life of those road projects will be of 15 years instead of 30 years.

3.  National Highway Authority hopes that import of sand will tide away the sand crisis. It is also looking at m-sand

writingonblog uncensored: TN ranking on business reforms could be hit as CMD...

writingonblog uncensored: TN ranking on business reforms could be hit as CMD...: Chennai: CMDA has fared poorly in the implementation of 17 actions plans of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under ...

TN ranking on business reforms could be hit as CMDA fares poorly on implementation of BRAP

Chennai:

CMDA has fared poorly in the implementation of 17 actions plans of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) and this could affect the state's ranking this year in implementation of business reforms.

The state was ranked 15th in last year's ranking under the Business Reform Action Plan, which is prepared by DIPP in partnership with World Bank. The BRAP includes The BRAP includes 372 recommendations for reforms on regulatory processes, policies, practices and procedures spread across 12 reform areas.

This year CMDA is part of 17 action plans under DIPP’s draft business reforms action plan.

Among those, CMDA along with revenue department and directorate of town and country planning managed to get five points under the action plan land administration and transfer of land and property. The focus under the area was change in land use for conversion to industrial use for land outside of industrial parks or industrial development corporations.

CMDA has been directed to furnish information and implement an online application system by following details like publishing list of documents required in its website, the clear timelines manadated through Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act and allowing online application submission and payment there of besides tracking monitoring of application.

However, under other action plans, it just managed a single point. Some of the majors reforms where it failed include failure to develop master plans or zonal plans or land use plans with legal sanction for all urban areas and make it available online, the construction permit procedure and information where in ut has to publish information about the procedure including pre-construction and post-construction documents. These also include No Objection certificates, registrations and other mandatory state approvals on the website for rural areas.

It also also hit out over the lack of a well defined inspection procedure and checklist on department’s website when it comes​ to​ building plan approval process

writingonblog uncensored: TN hopes for breakthrough in repatriating strande...

writingonblog uncensored: TN hopes for breakthrough in repatriating strande...: CHENNAI: Stranded, starving and without any papers in an alien land, 21 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who have been cheated by their empl...

TN hopes for breakthrough in repatriating stranded fishermen in next two days

CHENNAI:

Stranded, starving and without any papers in an alien land, 21 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who have been cheated by their employer in Busher in Iran and denied their passport are living on hope that both state and Central government will come to their rescue.

An official from Commissionerate of rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils said that state government has taken up the issue with Ministry of External Affairs to provide the fishermen with required papers so that they can be repatriated with their families.

“In the next couple of days we are hopeful that some breakthrough could be achieved,” the official who is interacting with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the fishermen are brought back to the state, said.

The official said that the state government has urged  Ministry of External Affairs to get in touch with the Iranian officials in Bandar Abbas to help get back the passports which have been kept under the custody of the employer.

“The state government will be bearing all the travel and accommodation cost to bring back the fishermen,” said the official.

It is learnt that the fishermen were cheated allegedly by Indian agents Mangala Travels and one Antony, an unregistered agent, of Rajakamangalam in Kanyakumari district and taken to Dubai on a visit visa, according to National Domestic Workers Movement which is coordinating with the state, Ministry of External Affairs and the fishermen’s families.

Antony had recruited the fishermen with the help of Mangalam Travels by getting huge money for air ticket and visas. They were initially provided tourist visa to Dubai wherein they stayed from December 7 to 12.

On December 12, Antony provided tickets to travel to Bushehr. Once they arrived in Bushehr, their passports werer withheld and they were given residence card to be in Iran.

The sponsor Mohamad Sala denied them their due salary for the last six months and when the fishermen demanded it they were evicted from their residence and left to fend in hot sun, NDWM said.

writingonblog uncensored: TN clears Rs 180cr proposal to develop Shenoy Naga...

writingonblog uncensored: TN clears Rs 180cr proposal to develop Shenoy Naga...: Chennai: Shenoy Nagar Metro station is likely to get a new look after the state government gave green light to for vehicle parking and...

TN clears Rs 180cr proposal to develop Shenoy Nagar Metro

Chennai:

Shenoy Nagar Metro station is likely to get a new look after the state government gave green light to for vehicle parking and commercial development at a cost of Rs 179.57 crore.

Shenoy Nagar Metro Station, the only underground station which has access to sunlight at the concourse level that is eight metres below the street level, will have a vehicular parking area, public plaza, passenger amenities and landscape.

The station, the second largest underground station after Chennai Central Metro station, is located located on a prime area and is surrounded by dense residential area and office and commercial spaces. It is below Thiru Vi Ka Park at Shenoy Nagar and the sanction was accorded after Chennai Metro prepared a detailed concept plan..

As per the plan, the total area of the park is 37,900 square metres. The proposed area covered by the vehicular parking at basement will be 30,900 square metres and the area earmarked for property development will be 30,900 square metres.

In addition, an extent of 4,800 square metre at ground level is earmarked for parking and an area of 29,000 square metres is earmarked for landscaping.

According to Chennai Metro Rail, the total cost of the project including the presentation of DPR is estimated to be Rs 179.57 crore.

It is learnt that Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority will be providing the interest free loan utilizing the regularization fee collected and deposited by CMDA in the government account.

The net revenue earned from the project will be shared with Greater Chennai Corporation based on terms mutually agreed with Chennai Metro Rail.

It is learnt the green light was accorded after Shenoy Nagar Underground Metro Station development project was placed before a High Power Committee on Chennai Metro Rail Limited on March 8, 2017.

Factfile:

1.  Chennai Metro Rail to develop space adjoining Shenoy Nagar Metro station and Thiru-Vi-Ka Park area at a cost of Rs 180 crore

2.  This will include a vehicular parking area, public plaza, passenger amenities and landscape.

3. There is a plan to develop 29,000 square metres for landscaping

writingonblog uncensored: DRI foils bid to smuggle Red Sanders to China

writingonblog uncensored: DRI foils bid to smuggle Red Sanders to China: CHENNAI: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has foiled an attempt to smuggle Red Sanders logs worth Rs 5.28 Crore to Shanghai in China f...

DRI foils bid to smuggle Red Sanders to China

CHENNAI:
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has foiled an attempt to smuggle Red Sanders logs worth Rs 5.28 Crore to Shanghai in China from Chennai Port by using forged documents.

A DRI official told Express that after a continous surveillance of containers bound for china upon entry in the port, it was found that one of them had red sanders in it.

The documents submitted for clearance of the 20ft container was declared as “Rubber Hydraulic Hose” while originally it had red sanders export consignment. The final destination was China. After a thorough scrutiny on Tuesday in the presence of forest officials, it was found that about 11.750 MTs of Red Sanders logs stuffed inside the container whose market value is around Rs 5.28 Cr.

It was later found that the documents submitted before customs for clearance were forged. Red Sanders also called as Pterocarpus santalinus, has a highly restrictive distribution in the South Eastern portion of Indian peninsula to which it is endemic, a DRI release stated.

writingonblog uncensored: Blue Dart launches aviation hub in Chennai

writingonblog uncensored: Blue Dart launches aviation hub in Chennai: Chennai: Blue Dart, India’s leading logistics services provider, and a subsidiary of Deutsche Post DHL (DPDHL) Group, has announced the ...

Blue Dart launches aviation hub in Chennai

Chennai: Blue Dart, India’s leading logistics services provider, and a subsidiary of Deutsche Post DHL (DPDHL) Group, has announced the launch of its new state-of-the-art aviation hub in Chennai. 

The Aviation Hub will measure 4,912 sq. meters upon completion and is strategically located at the Blue Dart Aviation Terminal, Gate 6 Old International Airport, Meenambakkam, Chennai, with both air and land side access, enabling fast and efficient transfer of shipments, improving faster transit times and further extending Blue Dart’s already market leading service quality. 

The new facility will also house the headquarters of Blue Dart Aviation, India’s only commercial cargo airline which provides a dedicated fleet of six B757-200 freighters and a capacity of 500 tonnes every night, operating across 73 flight sectors daily. The hub boasts Bureau of civil Aviation Security (BCAS) approved security screening with its own X-Ray machines, equipment and dedicated manpower.

writingonblog uncensored: Technical glitch force Air India aircraft to retu...

writingonblog uncensored: Technical glitch force Air India aircraft to retu...: Chennai: A technical glitch that forced Air India flight bound for Delhi carrying 131 passengers and six crew to return to airport 21 ...

Technical glitch force Air India aircraft to return to Chennai airport

Chennai:

A technical glitch that forced Air India flight bound for Delhi carrying 131 passengers and six crew to return to airport 21 minutes after take-off.

Air Traffic Management general manager Pradeep Kandoth and Airport Director G Chandramouli told Express that there was no report of bird hit and the flight was forced to land after take-off due to technical glitch in one of the engines.

“It was one of the engines that failed forcing the aircraft to land in Chennai within a span of 20 minutes. The pilot did not mention of bird-hit,” the officials said.

An Air India spokesman told Express that as soon as the flight took off around 06.47am, the pilot noticed technical glitch in the aircraft and informed air traffic control that one of the engines being affected.

The flight was immediately grounded at 07.08am, said the AI spokesman from New Delhi.

The stranded passengers were later transferred to two Air India aircraft that took off at 10.20am and 10.50am and an Indigo aircraft. The stranded aircraft was operated after 4pm, the Air India spokesman said

writingonblog uncensored: Russia offers smart technology to protect Indian ...

writingonblog uncensored: Russia offers smart technology to protect Indian ...: Chennai: A subsidiary of Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) has tied up with Indian based Core Energy Systems with an e...

Russia offers smart technology to protect Indian borders

Chennai:

A subsidiary of Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) has tied up with Indian based Core Energy Systems with an eye on implementing Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) along the 2,900km India-Pakistan border.

CIBMS is an integration of a number of new gadgets and technologies to ensure electronic surveillance of borders. It uses technology driven by sensors to detect any form of movement in the water, on the land surface and in the air.

The contract was signed by Vadim Pervuninskikh, the Director of NIKIRET  (branch of Production Company “Start” named after MV Protsenko”, a subsidiary of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation) and and Nagesh Basarkar, the Chairman & Managing Director of CORE Energy Systems.

Basarkar said that Core is vying for a share in the CIBMS once the Indian government finishes the two pilot projects of 5.5km and 5.3km stretches along the border in Jammu which is likely to be completed in next two months by Tata Power's Strategic Engineering Division (Tata Power SED) and Slovenian firm Dat Con.

“The bids could be opened up in October once the pilot project is completed to fence the entire border of 2,900km. We have procured sensors from Rosatom subsidiary,” said Basarkar.

The use of CIBMS was being considered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) since 2012 when it released an Expression of Interest (EoI) for a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). In 2014, the BSF also submitted a detailed report on CIBMS to the MHA, but no decision was taken to implement the system until January 2016.

The pressure for implementing the CIBMS was mounted after the Pathankot terrorist attack in 2016 and the subsequent order by the division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Basarkar told Express that Nikiret was providing the technology to Russia to protect its nuclear installations and other technology of national importance.

The technical equipment uses sensors, detectors, cameras, ground-based radar systems, micro-aerostats, lasers as well as existing equipment for round-the-clock surveillance. The purpose of the CIBMS is to eventually replace manual surveillance or patrolling of the international borders by electronic surveillance.

Basarkar said that the entire contract could be split into packages and he hoped along with the global firms from US, Israel and other countries, Core Energy will be able to win part of the contract.

Is TNRERA facing fund crunch to run its ops?

C Shivakumar @ Chennai:

Is Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority facing fund crisis. It is learnt that TNRERA, which is functioning without a full time chairman, has sought Rs 10 crore funds from the government after moving into a swanky office in CMDA building.

With huge rent and highly paid officials, the agency is struggling to keep TNRERA functioning, according to sources. Interestingly, a top TNRERA official said that TNRERA has sought budgetary support in anticipation of possible costs to be incurred on the authority and tribunal. "We don't have immediate crunch requirement," the official added.

The headless body, which is without a chairman, is currently being run by housing secretary temporarily along with retired officials of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and nominal muster roll workers, most of whom are linked to the CMDA officials.

These officials are working as there has been no fixed qualifications or salary prescribed for the appointment. It is learnt from sources that TNRERA is paying a huge amount as rent as well as on maintenance. The office has also been refurbished with 50 tonnes air conditioner. “Why should they spend so much that too for temporary staff who have been retired. They are getting the pension as well as salary under the temporary post. Instead of going in for rented premises which is costing in lakhs, TNRERA could have operated within the CMDA premises with officials assigned on deputation,” a former planner said.

Sources claim that the entire refurbishment of the swanky TNRERA office was carried out in five to six parts to avoid the tendering process.

R Radhakrishnan, the former national president of Builders Association of India, said that it is time TNRERA’s affairs are put on order by appointing the committee members and chairman. This would restore the confidence of promoters and consumers, said Radhakrishnan.

Currently, there has been a lack of transparency in the functioning of TNRERA, alleges Association of Professional Town Planners K M Sadanandh. Pointing out to lack of details in TNRERA portal as mandated under TNRERA Rules, Sadanandh says the portal has only one liners about the project lacking details about carpet area and other important details helpful for buyers.

He says that many of the projects which claimed completion certificates from Directorate of Town and Country Planning and Chennai Metropolitan development authority are incomplete.

Radhkrishnan concurs with Sadanandh on the failure of TNRERA to update the website as mandated under the Act. However, with lack of committee members and chairman, there is absence of fixing the responsibility on officials, claim sources.

 

Box:

TNRERA revises fee for filing of complaints

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ CHENNAI:

Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority has revise dthe fee for filing complaints against promoter or project.

Now a complainant has to pay a fee of rs 1,000 and additional payment of Rs 600 online towards  registering a complaint.

For filing of complaints before the adjudicating officer, a fee of Rs 5,000 and additional payment of Rs 600 towards postage charges should be paid online. The order takes immediate effect.

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai airport gets its first power back-up faci...

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai airport gets its first power back-up faci...: CHENNAI: Now Chennai airport’s runway lights won’t blackout due to power outage. The airport now has a power back up facility for grou...

Chennai airport gets its first power back-up facility for ground lighting system

CHENNAI:

Now Chennai airport’s runway lights won’t blackout due to power outage. The airport now has a power back up facility for ground lighting system for runways and visual aid facilities, according to Chennai Airport director G Chandramouli.

Initially, the airport, the fourth busiest airport in India, serving over 18 million passengers in 2017, was dependent only on generators, said Chandramouli.

In case of a power outage the airport would lose its runway lights --- key visual systems used to guide aircraft on the ground or in the process of landing or taking off, virtually eliminating a critically important navigation system and thereby creating a safety concern. The power back-up was introduced to ensure safe landing and take-off, the airport director said.

Consul Neowatt, the Global Indian UPS company has deployed 2 units of200kVA Falcon family UPS systems in parallel redundant configuration to protect as well as provide power back up to the critical Ground Lighting System for runways, and visual aid facilities.

“The cost for deploying the two units is close to Rs 60 lakh. They are of importance at airports where traffic is dense,” said the airport director.

Consul Neowatt team of engineers and technical personnel, worked closely with airport engineers to deliver a dependable power back up solution.

Interestingly, this is the second airport Ground Lighting System (GLS) installation for Consul Neowatt in the last six months. The company has previously supported GLS at Mangalore airport apart from Emergency lighting backup for multiple Airport terminals across the country.

writingonblog uncensored: TN gives approval to accord amnesty to educational...

writingonblog uncensored: TN gives approval to accord amnesty to educational...: Chennai: Tamil Nadu government has given its approval to accord amnesty to educational institution buildings, including schools, constru...

TN gives approval to accord amnesty to educational buildings built on non-plan areas

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu government has given its approval to accord amnesty to educational institution buildings, including schools, constructed prior to January 1, 2011 in non-plan areas that come under Directorate of Town and Country Planning.

It is learnt that Commissioner of Town and Country Planning submitted a proposal to the state government along with draft guidelines for according approval for buildings of educational institutions functioning prior to January 1, 2011 in non-plan areas.

This comes in the wake of Madras High Court asking the director of school education to constitute a committee in each district to inspect all schools and ensure they conform to requisite building regulations and safety norms.

The proposal was submitted after representations from the Consortium of Self-Financing Professional Arts and Science colleges in Tamil Nadu and Federation of Association of Private schools in Tamil Nadu.

As per the Government Order accessed by Express, the educational institutions have to pay one-time fee of Rs 7.50 per square feet of the floor space index area of the building which shall be self-assessed. The money will be paid online in the infrastructure and Amenities Fund account.

The concession to educational institutions is valid for a period of three months from the date of orders.

The GO states that no building with any encroachment onto a public road or street or on a poromboke land or on local authority lands will be accorded approval.

Similarly, open spaces and recreational areas, water bodies and land affected by erstwhile Tamil Nadu Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1978 (Tamil Nadu Act 24 of 1978) will not be considered for concurrence.

The applicants will have to submit proof of institution functioning and building being in use or existence prior to January 1, 2011 besides no objection certificate from fire safety and rescue services department.

They also have to provide self-attested ownership document copy and certificate of licensed surveyor and structural engineer or architect certifying that the building plans prepared and furnished are as per the site conditions and for total floor area and FSI area of the buildings.

Factfile:

1.  Hundreds of educations institutions will benefit from the order as most of them don’t have any approval

2.  The GO comes in the wake of HC asking the stated to form committees to check whether schools conform to building regulations

3.  The amnesty for educational buildings is for three months

4.  It is only for buildings built prior to January 1, 2011 in non-plan areas

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai to run of ground water by 2020; Rain water...

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai to run of ground water by 2020; Rain water...: Chennai: Chennai will be among the 21 cities which will run out of ground water by 2020 and Chennai Metro Water and Public Works Depar...

Chennai to run of ground water by 2020; Rain water Harvesting and desal plants only hope, say officials

Chennai:

Chennai will be among the 21 cities which will run out of ground water by 2020 and Chennai Metro Water and Public Works Department are banking on desalination plants, rain water harvesting, check dams and restoration of water bodies to ward off the impending crisis.

As Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index released in June 2018 which highlights that Chennai will run out of ground water by 2020 has rang the alarm bells, a Chennai Metro Water official said that the pressure on ground water resources could be reduced once the two desalination plants with a joint capacity of 550 million litres per day (MLD) start functioning. Currently, more than 200 to 300MLD of ground water is extracted and there is a threat of the water turning saline due to excess extraction.

The official said that both the desalination plants have got environmental clearance. The price bid for 150MLD desalination plan in Nemelli is to be opened after getting the clearance from German funding agency KfW. Similarly, the 400MLD desalination plant funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be ready by 2024 as a result the city will have 750MLD of water on any given day.

The stress on ground water will also be curtailed with the construction of 45MLD capacity Tertiary Treatment and Reverse Osmosis (TTRO) plant at Kodungaiyur and Koyambedu. It will soon be expanded to 60MLD. Thus we will be having 120 MLD of treated water which will given to industries, the official said.

The official also said that the focus should also be on recharging the ground water through rain water harvesting, which helps conserve and augment the storage of ground water aquifers, thereby improving the ground water table.

However, there is half-hearted measure in implementing rain water harvesting. Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has yet to implement the recommendations by consultant Aakash Ganga Trust in the development regulations of Chennai Metropolitan Area through an amendement. The audit of rain water harvesting by the consultant was carried out following the direction of then chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

Similarly, a Water resources Department official told Express that restoration of water bodies is crucial to ensure ground water is protected. “They are restoring only 25pc of the water body. Seventy-five per cent is already encroached and polluted. If entire water body is not restored, then it will not ensure water security,” the source warned.

Factfile:

1.  Chennai will run out of ground water by 2020 according to NITI Aayog’s Composite Water management Index.

2.  Officials say the two new desalination plants with a joint capacity of 550 MLD will reduce the stress on ground water

3.  Rain Water Harvesting will recharge the ground water but CMDA has yet to implement the recommendations of consultant

4.  Water redsources Department says that the state is restoring only 25pc capacity of water bodies as rest 75 per cent is encroached or polluted