^^

Instead of buying a land at T.nagar for 60crores, pothys could have brought 6such lands in suburban and built 6 - 10 storied shopping showroom cum food mall!!

Pothys ke business solli thareengala?

Is submitting thru post office facility is still available?

Not sure! but we can submit through district collector office...

There should passport office in every dt HQ... long way to go!!

Pothys ke business solli thareengala?

illai, ennaku therincha logic sonnaen.. why open shops again and again in same congested T.nagar?

Tambaram, Anna Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Velacherry, Perugudi nu business expand pannamey same T.nagar la kundu satila kuthirai ooturanga.

Naiha and GRT are following such trend of opening their outlets in suburban rather opening 2-3 shops in same location.

T.nagar pothys kula porathum, Mumbai suburban local train la porathu onnu thaan.

Not sure! but we can submit through district collector office...

There should passport office in every dt HQ... long way to go!!



illai, ennaku therincha logic sonnaen.. why open shops again and again in same congested T.nagar?

Tambaram, Anna Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Velacherry, Perugudi nu business expand pannamey same T.nagar la kundu satila kuthirai ooturanga.

Naiha and GRT are following such trend of opening their outlets in suburban rather opening 2-3 shops in same location.

T.nagar pothys kula porathum, Mumbai suburban local train la porathu onnu thaan.

the Demographics might be different for pothys ( I felt pothys is lil upscale from saravana stores and lower than Naiha, RMKV)

the Demographics might be different for pothys ( I felt pothys is lil upscale from saravana stores and lower than Naiha, RMKV)

exactly... Pothys is more for middle class people. When Naiha can open shops in Tambaram(chromepet), Velacherry etc., I am sure Pothys can do much better.

IMHO RMKV, Pothys, Chennai silks (this could be 3rd or 4th preffered showroom for Chennai) are loosing their business big way because they have presence only in T.nagar.. they will or loose their customers when malls starts operating in OMR, Perumbur, Koyamedu, Vadapalani, Velacherry, Vandalur etc.,

Heavy rain with heavy wind lashes Tambaram between 6PM and 7PM.

Here in Kottivakkam too... All the strong wooden furniture fall down in my office. Because of this my frnd's bike got damage...

I am hoping for the day when all the T Nagar shops are either demolished or start losing money. They are nothing but sweatshops of the worst kind and violating every civic regulation after paying bribes to CMDA and the govt in power.

^^ It should be around 80 lakhs. If Tambaram and Avadi municipalities would have been included, it would have crossed 95 lakhs.

Wow!! Thanks shyam. So Chennai will remain in 4th position. Right?

^^

Instead of buying a land at T.nagar for 60crores, pothys could have brought 6such lands in suburban and built 6 - 10 storied shopping showroom cum food mall!!

But they wont get that kind of business as T Nagar gives them. Chennai will never change the way how they shop in T Nagar when their local area shops offer better deals and are less crowded too.

Wow!! Thanks shyam. So Chennai will remain in 4th position. Right?

Nope. Chennai would still be fifth i think as Bangalore has reached 1 crore someone told.

^^ Sorry. Members Please don't take it as Im comparing B'lore and Chennai..
When comparing Chennai's area it has just 400+sq.KM. But where as B'lore is 700+sq.KM. So as Shyam said if we include Avadi, Tambaram and some area it will beat B'lore. Already the city is now gone upto CGL, Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram.

I remember my grand Dad saying that Untouchables (new entrants from AP with poor or medium background ) in Trade community:lol: were not allowed to set up shops in Parrys Corner areas which was controlled by Rich Telugu people.

They could get space only in T Nagar which then was considered as low class and that too inside a lake.

Vaasthu was also supposed to be bad :lol:

The amount of business these shops do in T Nagar will force them to pay any amount to buy even a small size of land in T Nagar.

Rain sinks suburbs but city stays dry

CHENNAI: The Grand Southern Trunk Road between Meenambakkam and Tambaram turned into a waterway after rains lashed the southern suburbs on Monday evening when the city remained dry. Meenambakkam registered 9mm rainfall till 8.30pm.

Traffic was thrown out of gear as soon as the rain began around 5.45 pm and continued for more than an hour. "More rain is expected on the Meenambakkam side," said a Met official. Local body officials from Alandur, Meenambakkam, Pallavaram and Tambaram worked with police to ease traffic. After over two hours of hard labour, police were able to clear traffic on the Tambaram direction between Meenambakkam and Tambaram.

People moving towards the airport found it tough as vehicles were piled up for about 5 km. Motorists from OMR via the Pallavaram - Thoraipakkam Radial Road added to the congestion. "We have to get the storm water drains and culverts cleaned before the monsoon," Alandur & Pallavaram legislator P Dhansingh said.

Chromepet police station located on the GST Road was flooded. Policemen had to shift files and documents to an adjacent building. "This happens every time it rains," said a policeman. Many low-lying areas like Madipakkam, Adambakkam, Pallavaram, Jamin Royapettah, Chromepet, Selaiyur, Kannadapalayam and Tambaram were flooded.

Traffic between East Tambaram and West Tambaram was also affected for a few hours after an old tree fell near the railway station.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Rain-sinks-suburbs-but-city-stays-dry/articleshow/9962398.cms)

Heavy winds, rain lash suburbs

Huge tree fell on GST Road near road overbridge at Tambaram

Southern parts of the city and suburbs received heavy rainfall accompanied by heavy winds on Monday evening which brought much-needed respite after a hot day.

The showers in many localities, including Adyar, Velachery, Tambaram, Okkiam Thoraippakkam, Pammal and Chromepet, lasted for over two hours. Traffic on arterial roads was thrown out of gear owing to the rain. Many motorists had to take shelter at bus stands and under bridges.

A huge tree fell on GST Road near the road overbridge at Tambaram, affecting the movement of vehicles towards Tambaram from Chengalpattu. This resulted in a pile up of vehicles as far as Guduvanchery. Diversion of vehicles through the Chennai Bypass was of little help. After nearly an hour's struggle, the uprooted tree was removed.

Traffic flow on other stretches of the national highway, including in Tambaram Sanatorium and Chromepet, was also hit. Power supply was disrupted as a precautionary measure in many places.

V.Santhanam, a resident of Chromepet, said water entered many houses in Chromepet and Sholavaram Nagar, Pammal, following the heavy showers. Many people bound for Chennai airport had a tough time negotiating traffic.

According to the Meteorological department, Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam registered a maximum temperature of 34.3 degree Celsius and 35.8 degree Celsius respectively on Monday. The maximum temperature normally recorded during this period is 34 degree Celsius.

However, it only drizzled in many localities in the city. While Nungambakkam did not record any rainfall, Meenambakkam recorded 9 mm during the 12-hour period ending 8.30 p.m. Officials of the department said thunder squalls were common during such rainfall. Unlike monsoon rainfall, showers due to convective activity was scattered based on the clouding pattern.Chennai has already received nearly twice the amount of rainfall so far for this season – between June and September. Since June 1 to Monday, the observatory in Nungambakkam recorded 62 cm as against the average rainfall of 34 cm for the season. The facility in Meenambakkam registered 47 cm against the normal of 38 cm.

Y.E.A. Raj, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Regional Meteorological Centre, said though rainfall during this period is normal, rain at such frequent intervals that has been seen this year is rather unusual.

The convective activity following high temperature during noon is aided by sea breeze, which brings in moisture as it sets in around 3 p.m., results in rainfall.

Normally, depression forms over the Bay of Bengal frequently during this season, providing rainfall to other States. However, this year, there were no depressions that proved favourable to the city, he said.

There has been a rise in annual average rainfall as well, going by the statistics of past four decades from 1969. The annual normal has been increased from 122 cm to 140 cm. In recent years, as in 1996 and 2005, the city had recorded an annual rainfall of over 200 cm, Dr.Raj said.

The department forecasts rain or thundershower would occur in some areas during evening or night for the next two days.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2449275.ece)

Karunanidhi hits out at satellite town plan

CHENNAI: DMK chief M Karunanidhi has cried foul over Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s announcement of a new satellite township near Thirumazhisai, claiming that the same Jayalalithaa had opposed it when the DMK had pitched the idea in 2006.
If Jayalalithaa had not taken such a stance then, the township would have been built by now, he said.
“When the DMK came to power in 2006, we had proposed a satellite town along the Vandalur - Kelambakkam Road between OMR and NH 45. Jayalalithaa had issued a statement the next day, stating that the DMK’s satellite town was not meant to benefit Chennai residents, but the members of my family,” he said in a letter published in the party mouthpiece, Murasoli.
“We had scrapped the idea taking into account the concerns raised by our then ally PMK over the acquisition of agricultural land for it. The CPM, which was in alliance with us then, had also criticised her statement. Now, they applaud her announcement,” he said. He added that the project had already been announced on August 25 as part of the policy note tabled by Housing Minister R Vaithilingam. “Jayalalithaa has only announced a project that has already been announced by her Minister.
While there was no response then, her announcement has been welcomed, as usual, by various parties like it is a new one,” said the leader.
“Jayalalithaa can be expected to respond that she was only opposed to the project near OMR,” he claimed.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karunanidhi-hits-out-at-satellite-town-plan/183589-60-118.html)

exactly... Pothys is more for middle class people. When Naiha can open shops in Tambaram(chromepet), Velacherry etc., I am sure Pothys can do much better.

IMHO RMKV, Pothys, Chennai silks (this could be 3rd or 4th preffered showroom for Chennai) are loosing their business big way because they have presence only in T.nagar.. they will or loose their customers when malls starts operating in OMR, Perumbur, Koyamedu, Vadapalani, Velacherry, Vandalur etc.,

Dont worry.. they will in a few years. But even now shopping na T.Nagar thaane? For example, lot of people come from my native to shop at the silk stores at T.Nagar particularly for marriages and other suba kaaryangal. Earlier, people used to go to Kanchi and buy directly but after so many reports of fraud in Kanchi, people now prefer to go to T Nagar instead. Thats why the RE rates are so high.

Wow!! Thanks shyam. So Chennai will remain in 4th position. Right?

Yeah it will be the fourth largest. The "official" Chennai has always dragged down the city in rankings but with this merger, it will rank somewhere along with New york and London in this list (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_proper_by_population). Note that in this list, Chennai is even below Surat. Those anomalies will be rectified in a few months. I also hope they do a similar exercise for Kolkata. Adding the suburbs will take its population past 15 million and make it one of the largest cities but right now it is languishing at the 42nd spot.

Breaking News : சென்னை கிண்டி டெம்பிள் டவர் கட்டடத்துக்கு குண்டு மிரட்டல்

No bomb threat in Chennai, only security drill

Chennai: Police on Tuesday conducted a drill at shopping malls in the city to check the preparedness of security agencies to deal with emergencies in the backdrop of last week's bomb blast at Delhi.

The drill was conducted due to a 'general alert' issued by the Home Ministry, top officials said.

Various wings of the city police such as its security division, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and sniffer dogs were pressed into service at major shopping complexes like Spencer Plaza, Ampa Skywalk, Express Avenue, City Center and Alsa Mall, police said.

"No suspicious objects were found and police advised people and traders on the need to be aware," they said.

The Centre has also issued an advisory asking Maharashtra and some states bordering it to be fully alert in the wake of intelligence inputs that terrorists may target Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai by using small aircraft.

Tamil Nadu has already stepped up security, with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa reviewing security with top officials last week following the Delhi blasts.

The drill also sought to create awareness among the public and traders.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-bomb-threat-in-chennai-only-security-drill/183761-3.html)

Karunanidhi hits out at satellite town plan

CHENNAI: DMK chief M Karunanidhi has cried foul over Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s announcement of a new satellite township near Thirumazhisai, claiming that the same Jayalalithaa had opposed it when the DMK had pitched the idea in 2006.
If Jayalalithaa had not taken such a stance then, the township would have been built by now, he said.
“When the DMK came to power in 2006, we had proposed a satellite town along the Vandalur - Kelambakkam Road between OMR and NH 45. Jayalalithaa had issued a statement the next day, stating that the DMK’s satellite town was not meant to benefit Chennai residents, but the members of my family,” he said in a letter published in the party mouthpiece, Murasoli.
“We had scrapped the idea taking into account the concerns raised by our then ally PMK over the acquisition of agricultural land for it. The CPM, which was in alliance with us then, had also criticised her statement. Now, they applaud her announcement,” he said. He added that the project had already been announced on August 25 as part of the policy note tabled by Housing Minister R Vaithilingam. “Jayalalithaa has only announced a project that has already been announced by her Minister.
While there was no response then, her announcement has been welcomed, as usual, by various parties like it is a new one,” said the leader.
“Jayalalithaa can be expected to respond that she was only opposed to the project near OMR,” he claimed.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karunanidhi-hits-out-at-satellite-town-plan/183589-60-118.html)


kizhucharu. Adhula pala kodi suruti iruparu ana project take off kuda agi irukathu, kuzhukal amaichu study pannikitey irundhu irupanga.
satellite township uzhal appadinu vena ippa edhavathu case irukkum, township irukathu.

Idhula PMK solli evaru ketarama...:lol::lol::nuts::nuts:

[QUOTE==


Yeah it will be the fourth largest. The "official" Chennai has always dragged down the city in rankings but with this merger, it will rank somewhere along with New york and London in this list (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_proper_by_population). Note that in this list, Chennai is even below Surat. Those anomalies will be rectified in a few months. I also hope they do a similar exercise for Kolkata. Adding the suburbs will take its population past 15 million and make it one of the largest cities but right now it is languishing at the 42nd spot.[/QUOTE]


Tambaram, Siriperambadur, Oragadam kuda include pannirukalam...atleast tambaram
Also They should have increased the city limit beyond sholinganallur in IT corridor.

Karunanidhi hits out at satellite town plan

CHENNAI: DMK chief M Karunanidhi has cried foul over Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s announcement of a new satellite township near Thirumazhisai, claiming that the same Jayalalithaa had opposed it when the DMK had pitched the idea in 2006.
If Jayalalithaa had not taken such a stance then, the township would have been built by now, he said.
“When the DMK came to power in 2006, we had proposed a satellite town along the Vandalur - Kelambakkam Road between OMR and NH 45. Jayalalithaa had issued a statement the next day, stating that the DMK’s satellite town was not meant to benefit Chennai residents, but the members of my family,” he said in a letter published in the party mouthpiece, Murasoli.
“We had scrapped the idea taking into account the concerns raised by our then ally PMK over the acquisition of agricultural land for it. The CPM, which was in alliance with us then, had also criticised her statement. Now, they applaud her announcement,” he said. He added that the project had already been announced on August 25 as part of the policy note tabled by Housing Minister R Vaithilingam. “Jayalalithaa has only announced a project that has already been announced by her Minister.
While there was no response then, her announcement has been welcomed, as usual, by various parties like it is a new one,” said the leader.
“Jayalalithaa can be expected to respond that she was only opposed to the project near OMR,” he claimed.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karunanidhi-hits-out-at-satellite-town-plan/183589-60-118.html)

thatha's late reaction shows he couldn't see the publicity given by media for satellite township!! though his family media like sun, kalai, dinakaran has not done this publicity, it has reached well to many people thro other media.

appuram opp. leaders sonna vudaney project niruthura arasaiyal Dharmam avarkitta iruntha mathiri peela viduraru.:lol:

Avarukku or avaru relatives kku sonthamana lands a edukkurangalo ?

hi all, please dont say bad things about Karunanidhi thatha. I am planning to do some oozhal in the next elected DMK government and earn a few crores by becoming an MLA and so please dont bad mouth him. Thanks in advance :D

hi all, please dont say bad things about Karunanidhi thatha. I am planning to do some oozhal in the next elected DMK government and earn a few crores by becoming an MLA and so please dont bad mouth him. Thanks in advance :D
Already few people started thinking in this line...
its going to be a tough competition :lol:

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ncr-generates-maximum-jobs-in-august-study/146586/on

The National Capital Region (NCR) created the maximum number of jobs in August among metropolitan, or Tier-I, cities, a study has found.

The study by industry body Assocham said an estimated 45,859 total jobs were generated in Tier-I or big metropolitan cities in August, registering an increase of over 30% on year-on-year basis.

Of this, over 24% jobs at entry-level were created in Delhi-NCR followed by Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.

"Hiring activity in August remained widespread mainly across entry and middle management levels as key industrial sectors are looking at strengthening their workforce to improve their business activities," Assocham Secretary General DS Rawat said.

The study also said that maximum number of jobs during the month were created in sectors like IT, financial services and insurance.

The share of sectors like manufacturing, engineering and IT/hardware in total employment generation was almost negligible, it added.

Further, it said, about 8,160 job opportunities were generated by 16 Tier-II cities, including Chandigarh, Vadodara and Jaipur, and over 8,000 jobs were created by Tier-III cities like Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar and Calicut.

CHENNAI: At least 15 people were killed as two trains collided near Arakonam in Tamil Nadu's Vellore district Tuesday night, police said. The number of injured was around 50.

The accident occurred as the Chennai Beach-Vellore train hit the Arakonam-Katpadi passenger train that was waiting for signal at around 9.30 p.m.

Arakonam is around 65 km from Chennai.

"At least 15 people are feared dead and 50 injured. The accident happened near Chitteri railway station," a police official at the spot told IANS.

The injured were being taken to various hospitals in Vellore.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/15-dead-and-50-injured-as-two-trains-collide-in-tamil-nadu-police/articleshow/9972998.cms


Railways has rushed a rescue team to the accident spot.

yes

the tv channels are speculating casualties might be in three digits.


hope everybody from ssc chennai is ok.

Just when we thought Indian railways cant get any worse. Deep condolences for those affected.

Just when we thought Indian railways cant get any worse. Deep condolences for those affected.

+1

Peace be with the Departed . I hope Indian Railways can streamline their signalling capabilities to minimize accidents. :dunno:

+1

Peace be with the Departed . I hope Indian Railways can streamline their signalling capabilities to minimize accidents. :dunno:

Not a signal problem. Driver error

+1

Peace be with the Departed . I hope Indian Railways can streamline their signalling capabilities to minimize accidents. :dunno:

Not a signal problem. Driver error

My understanding from railway forum is EMU drivers are allowed to skip red signal. Further the train was running late by 1.3hrs.. I would say driver negligance as well as railways pathetic approach in maintaining the trains schedule!!

But the driver is reported as dead in few medias, but few were telling he is badly injured and not in position to tell what went wrong. We need to wait for full report before puting the entire blame on the driver. (railway oppicers does this escape and put the blame on poor driver!)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

EMU drivers are permitted to skip red signals, albeit at very low speed of 5 or 10 kmph. They must be prepared to stop the EMU at any possible obstruction. Also this skipping is allowed only after halting in front of the red signal for a fixed time. Or you must have proper written authority to proceed in case of malfunctioning of signal.

If you skip a red signal under normal circumstances, the punishment given is "Dismissal from service".
_________________
S.Sivaramakrishnan

12 years on, no anti-collission device in most trains (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/12-years-on-no-anti-collission-device-in-most-trains/articleshow/9982231.cms)

My understanding from railway forum is EMU drivers are allowed to skip red signal. Further the train was running late by 1.3hrs.. I would say driver negligance as well as railways pathetic approach in maintaining the trains schedule!!

But the driver is reported as dead in few medias, but few were telling he is badly injured and not in position to tell what went wrong. We need to wait for full report before puting the entire blame on the driver. (railway oppicers does this escape and put the blame on poor driver!)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

EMU drivers are permitted to skip red signals, albeit at very low speed of 5 or 10 kmph. They must be prepared to stop the EMU at any possible obstruction. Also this skipping is allowed only after halting in front of the red signal for a fixed time. Or you must have proper written authority to proceed in case of malfunctioning of signal.

If you skip a red signal under normal circumstances, the punishment given is "Dismissal from service".
_________________
S.Sivaramakrishnan

The driver has already spoken to some reporters from hospital . He has told that he never saw a red signal. He crossed the previous lamp post only when it was green. He also said that he tried to apply brake when he saw 2 red lights blinking and assumed it to be a slow moving train . But since the distance was less, he crashed.

I did not ignore signal, asserts EMU driver



Pushpa Narayan TNN



Chennai:A Rajkumar, the motorman who drove the EMU that rammed the passenger train near Arakkonam, has denied any negligence on his part and said he did not jump signals, wasn’t drunk or talking on the cellphone. On Wednesday, railway minister Dinesh Trivedi and officials said the motorman had neglected signals and was overspeeding.
Rajkumar, who sustained injuries on the head and face, underwent plastic surgery at the Government General Hospital here on Wednesday. He said he was driving at 80 kmph and not 96 kmph as indicated by railway officials. “All signals were green. I saw a red light blinking 400m away and realized that it was a slow-moving train on the same track. I applied the brakes but the distance was too little to bring the train to a halt,” he said minutes after being moved to the post-operative ward in the specialty block of the hospital.
He also denied jumping out of the train, saying that he saw his EMU ram the other train.

Why would he risk own life: Driver kin


Idon’t remember what happened after that. I was outside the train, bleeding from the head and mouth. I asked some locals to make emergency calls,” he said.
When TOI met the motorman in the hospital, he could not speak much, but using a combination of gestures and sounds he communicated that he was not drunk or talking on the mobile phone.
Rajkumar, who joined as a motorman in Southern Railways in 1994, said he was being needlessly blamed. His brother, A Palani, also a railway motorman, said Rajkumar had been insisting that he wasn't negligent. “Why would he do that? He is first in the line of fire in case of any accident. Why would he risk his and others’ lives?” Palani asked.
The family is upset that railway authorities were blaming Rajkumar for the accident. Rajkumar’s blood has been sent for alcohol analysis.



BLAME GAME? Rajkumar said he was being needlessly blamed

The family is upset that railway authorities were blaming Rajkumar for the accident. Rajkumar’s blood has been sent for alcohol analysis.



BLAME GAME? Rajkumar said he was being needlessly blamed

I don't think southern railway officials or railway minister will come down to earth to accept for any technical failures! They have already put the blame on the driver w/o even doing investigation on accident.

They probably thought he was dead or may not survive.

Some of our colleagues & associates were at the crash site yesterday and what they report is really disturbing. (based on their observations and their talks with locals)

Railway was very slow to respond and indulged in normal red tape methods.

Railways do not have any road based rescue / relief system / vehicles and almost all their system are based on rail track based (means that they will reach Accident spot by rail track only).

In spite of the accident site is near Arakkonam (a Junction), relief did not come quickly.

Accident Response Time (which our team was asked to analyse) from various quarters were checked.

Local Populace rose to the occasion without any proper training or help / organised Aid. Ambulance Service of TN also were quick and all the nearby locations had sent their ambulances.

But there was nobody to organise the ambulances or the Cabs which were engaged (by locals only). This clearly points out the lack of Leadership from Response Team of Railways. There was nobody from Railways authorised to pay the Petrol / Diesel expenses also.

After some time ruling party & Local Minister seemed to have come into picture. But still no organised efforts.

Nature also was against and they say there were still survivors inside.

In spite of very high experience (with accidents) Railways still act like a novice.

Maintenance of signals and tracks are neglected and modern Anti Collision systems are not installed.

Human Lives are so cheap in India.

The driver has already spoken to some reporters from hospital . He has told that he never saw a red signal. He crossed the previous lamp post only when it was green. He also said that he tried to apply brake when he saw 2 red lights blinking and assumed it to be a slow moving train . But since the distance was less, he crashed.

I did not ignore signal, asserts EMU driver



Pushpa Narayan TNN



Chennai:A Rajkumar, the motorman who drove the EMU that rammed the passenger train near Arakkonam, has denied any negligence on his part and said he did not jump signals, wasn’t drunk or talking on the cellphone. On Wednesday, railway minister Dinesh Trivedi and officials said the motorman had neglected signals and was overspeeding.
Rajkumar, who sustained injuries on the head and face, underwent plastic surgery at the Government General Hospital here on Wednesday. He said he was driving at 80 kmph and not 96 kmph as indicated by railway officials. “All signals were green. I saw a red light blinking 400m away and realized that it was a slow-moving train on the same track. I applied the brakes but the distance was too little to bring the train to a halt,” he said minutes after being moved to the post-operative ward in the specialty block of the hospital.
He also denied jumping out of the train, saying that he saw his EMU ram the other train.

Why would he risk own life: Driver kin


Idon’t remember what happened after that. I was outside the train, bleeding from the head and mouth. I asked some locals to make emergency calls,” he said.
When TOI met the motorman in the hospital, he could not speak much, but using a combination of gestures and sounds he communicated that he was not drunk or talking on the mobile phone.
Rajkumar, who joined as a motorman in Southern Railways in 1994, said he was being needlessly blamed. His brother, A Palani, also a railway motorman, said Rajkumar had been insisting that he wasn't negligent. “Why would he do that? He is first in the line of fire in case of any accident. Why would he risk his and others’ lives?” Palani asked.
The family is upset that railway authorities were blaming Rajkumar for the accident. Rajkumar’s blood has been sent for alcohol analysis.



BLAME GAME? Rajkumar said he was being needlessly blamed

Its a mystery how the driver survived with out jumping from the train when his motorvan was smashed totally (as per the pictures in news papers) and he would have turned in to a mass of flesh.Automatic signal indicate red lights when a train in the same track 4 to 5Km away and failures are not possible according to a retired senior Signals and telcom officials of the Railways.Even there are backup safety arrangements like the station masters of earlier stations alerting the suburban train driver through wireless sets provided to them.This is a case of negligence on the part of the suburban train prima facie and only thorough enquiry will bring out the facts

^^Very well said Kannan sir. Every 1 to 2 years, we are seeing this kind of train accidents varying from minor to major yet we see Railway minister making statements, that it is purely human mistake/signal failure. One line statement. No one takes responsibility, blame game starts.

The trend continous for ever, making public feel they are treated like animals! Immediate compensation, enquiry has become the order of the day.

They dont think of technology, expert consultation and last implementation.

@ Ranga

It is said that the EMU driver jumped out of the train just before the crash and sustained face & ear injuries (inside head injuries also suspected).

It may be a drunken driving or cell phone driving if not signal mistake. Going @ 90 kmph is weird without a signal clearance.

But nothing will come out of the enquiry.

As usual, they will blame it on unnatural weather conditions and unexplainable reasons.

Railway was very slow to respond and indulged in normal red tape methods.

Railways do not have any road based rescue / relief system / vehicles and almost all their system are based on rail track based (means that they will reach Accident spot by rail track only).

In spite of the accident site is near Arakkonam (a Junction), relief did not come quickly.

Accident Response Time (which our team was asked to analyse) from various quarters were checked.

But there was nobody to organise the ambulances or the Cabs which were engaged (by locals only). This clearly points out the lack of Leadership from Response Team of Railways. There was nobody from Railways authorised to pay the Petrol / Diesel expenses also.

In spite of very high experience (with accidents) Railways still act like a novice.

Maintenance of signals and tracks are neglected and modern Anti Collision systems are not installed.

Human Lives are so cheap in India.

So much lagging point from railways admin. They don't have an accident relief van at Arrakonam which is a 4 way junction is really pathetic to know. I wonder if they do any mock drill on accident relief regularly.

^^Very well said Kannan sir. Every 1 to 2 years, we are seeing this kind of train accidents varying from minor to major yet we see Railway minister making statements, that it is purely human mistake/signal failure. One line statement. No one takes responsibility, blame game starts.

The trend continous for ever, making public feel they are treated like animals! Immediate compensation, enquiry has become the order of the day.

They dont think of technology, expert consultation and last implementation.

This is just not enough all the above requires disciplined and dedicated manpower to run the railways.Moreover the rolling stocks,rails and attended systems in the Railways are old and requires replacements but the railways does not have resources of their own to do the needful.same is the condition of CG.

So much lagging point from railways admin. They don't have an accident relief van at Arrakonam which is a 4 way junction is really pathetic to know. I wonder if they do any mock drill on accident relief regularly.

As far as my memory goes there were no serious accidents of this magnitude so near chennai.Relief generally comes from the regional headquarters and in this case it is Chennai.

I don't think southern railway officials or railway minister will come down to earth to accept for any technical failures! They have already put the blame on the driver w/o even doing investigation on accident.

My parents travelled to Mysore on the same day when the accident took place. Their train (Cauvery express) started at 9:30 pm from Central and they stopped the train at Avadi around 10:30 pm. No railway authorities informed about the accident and after 2 hrs one police man informed about the accident and they told the lines will get cleared soon. They waited in the train till 1:00 am and decided to come back to Chennai. Then there was an announcement saying they are starting the train at 2:00 so they stayed back. They took the train at 2:00 am and all the passengers went to sleep. They were surprised when they woke up at 6:00 am, the train was halted at Ranigunda station in Andhra. Till that time no one informed about the route diversion, when they inquired, they said the train will reach Mysore by evening 3:00 pm. They have to attend a function at Mysore by 1:00 pm, then they dropped the plan and boarded into Chennai bound train from Ranigunda.

Stupid Railway authorities. They won’t provide any information to passengers.

why not install a public address sysytem on every compartment

A Welcome news to all the persons who have been to the wretched Passport office. They are moving to new offices in (3 places, Nelson Manikam road, Tambaram & Saligramam). Everytime I had been there in the last 25 years I hated the place so much thought of burning it down. Such a mismanaged place. Wish the new offices run by TCS will alter the image

^^

:banana:

Really good to know this....

A Welcome news to all the persons who have been to the wretched Passport office. They are moving to new offices in (3 places, Nelson Manikam road, Tambaram & Saligramam). Everytime I had been there in the last 25 years I hated the place so much thought of burning it down. Such a mismanaged place. Wish the new offices run by TCS will alter the image

Where in Tambaram:)

why not install a public address sysytem on every compartment

PA system in IR dabbas is far fletched....Let them first check whether all electrical devices like fan , lamp n all are working properly:lol:

Murali,

Saligramam? i thought vadapalani is planned area. where in saligramam? its residential area as far as i know with few major roads. May arcot road part of saligramam. Like that ceebros building.

Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) will start functioning from Friday.

The Ministry of External Affairs has launched the Passport Seva Project under which the work of collecting the passport applications has been outsourced to the Tata Consultancy Services. The TCS would collect the forms and the documents. Then it would be verified by the passport office authorities, who after clarifications from the applicants will issue the passports.

In Chennai the PSKs will function in three places – Ground and 1 {+s} {+t} floors, 1, Bhanumathi Ramakrishna Road, Saligramam; 1 {+s} {+t} floor, Navin's Presidium, 103, Nelson Manickam Road, Aminjakarai and Ground and first floors, Claret Complex, old No 4a and 4b and new no 17 and 19, Duraisamy Reddy Street, Tambaram.

C. Senthil Pandian, Regional Passport Officer, Chennai, said the trial run for the PSKs began on September 7. The services offered under the PSKs are fresh passport, reissue and police clearance certificate. Services such as addition of spouse name, change of address, change in name/date of birth/place of birth, ECNR stamping would fall under the reissue category.

The new website for online registration is www.passportindia.gov.in which would be open from Friday. The PSKs will entertain applicants with online appointments only. The steps for submitting applications and documents have been detailed on the website, he said.

Physical presence of applicant is mandatory for submission of application at the PSKs, as the applicant's photograph and fingerprint biometric data would have to be taken.

Appointments would be made available on a first cum first served basis with three days lead time

Jam on Taluk office road due to protest in Saidapet...

http://www.dailythanthi.com/thanthiepaper/2092011/cni1page2.jpg

thathi

I live in Omaha, NE USA. The Mayor's office here launched a digital town hall to collabrate with people before they finalized the drafts and legislations with the help of a website called mindmixer.com

This is pretty much simillar to our forum but very streamlined and controlled and focussed on specific topics.

This would be a good idea to engage the enthusiastic people of Chennai for its betterment.

One of the cofounders of this website happens to be a former colleague of mine.

Jam on Taluk office road due to protest in Saidapet...

thathi

Protest for what Arul...

Protest for what Arul...

refer traffic thread.:)

Jam on Taluk office road due to protest in Saidapet...

http://www.dailythanthi.com/thanthiepaper/2092011/cni1page2.jpg

thathi

I don't understand why we have become so lazy to climb a FOB. If you are worried about your safety, one has to take care. Blaming traffic and drivers is futile. I don't believe in lifts in a public place like roads to remain in working condition for long.

Last Friday night I was going to Airport at 0200 hrs.It was raining heavily. I saw a goat crossing my car in Anna Salai near Rain Tree hotel,and two men in dark jackets near Spic. I could hardly see them .Knocking them off is a real possibility in such conditions.

Surprising that Koodangaulam is in news now. What was done to stop this project in last 15 years. Is it really because of the Japan effect and people became very intelligent or some local vested Political intrest. It is an irony when you spend 20,000 crores and power requirement is at peak they would stall this project.

Surprising that Koodangaulam is in news now. What was done to stop this project in last 15 years. Is it really because of the Japan effect and people became very intelligent or some local vested Political intrest. It is an irony when you spend 20,000 crores and power requirement is at peak they would stall this project.

Its curtains for this plant.Fukushima disaster is one of the causes political mischief is another.In TN a sum of Rs25,000 crores of money spent went down the drain both in Sethusamudram and Kudankulam projects.:ohno:

America or China is behind this protest i think.

just kidding!

I don't understand why we have become so lazy to climb a FOB. If you are worried about your safety, one has to take care. Blaming traffic and drivers is futile. I don't believe in lifts in a public place like roads to remain in working condition for long.

Last Friday night I was going to Airport at 0200 hrs.It was raining heavily. I saw a goat crossing my car in Anna Salai near Rain Tree hotel,and two men in dark jackets near Spic. I could hardly see them .Knocking them off is a real possibility in such conditions.

In our country slum dwellers in the heart of the cities are pampered lot.Misusing conviniences given to them and complaining is a normal affair.People are generally lazy particularly the women folks of TN.you see more young women in these parts are beset with health problems mostly owing to lack of excercise.I am not talking about below poverty level people but mostly the middle classes.

America or China is behind this protest i think.

just kidding!

no congress is behind.. dont want tn to get relieved from power shortage. :lol:

no congress is behind.. dont want tn to get relieved from power shortage. :lol:

The government of India and TN should educate people and tell them about the safety of our existing nuclear power plants at Kalpakkam and Trombay. True if we are going to react negatively for every disaster ,then there is no end to it.

In fact more deaths occur due to Road traffic accidents. So should we stop all vehicles on the road ?

Go to any hospital and the hospital owners will tell they make maximum revenue treating Trauma patients.

Murali,

Saligramam? i thought vadapalani is planned area. where in saligramam? its residential area as far as i know with few major roads. May arcot road part of saligramam. Like that ceebros building.

The passport kendra is next to Big Bazaar in a side road and walkable distance from Vadapalani bus stand

The government of India and TN should educate people and tell them about the safety of our existing nuclear power plants at Kalpakkam and Trombay. True if we are going to react negatively for every disaster ,then there is no end to it.

In fact more deaths occur due to Road traffic accidents. So should we stop all vehicles on the road ?

Go to any hospital and the hospital owners will tell they make maximum revenue treating Trauma patients.

The Russian orthodox church can do better as these people will not listen to the central and state govts.the handle lies with the local Bishops to convince their faith fisher folks who are in the majority.

In our country slum dwellers in the heart of the cities are pampered lot.Misusing conviniences given to them and complaining is a normal affair.People are generally lazy particularly the women folks of TN.you see more young women in these parts are beset with health problems mostly owing to lack of excercise.I am not talking about below poverty level people but mostly the middle classes.


Do u know Germany drop this project they r closing all nuclear plant.
America and Russia is very large country. there Nuclear plant must be some 100KM distance form people living place(population also very low). so they are safe. if anything happen they have some time to escape.. here what u do if anything happen to kalpakkam. is there any time to escape. some more peoples are leaving in that area.. so there we need to worry. that too our political people looted that fund allocated to safety also. then what u do.

Its curtains for this plant.Fukushima disaster is one of the causes political mischief is another.In TN a sum of Rs25,000 crores of money spent went down the drain both in Sethusamudram and Kudankulam projects.:ohno:
In the industrial corridor development note, i read that the govt is targetting power projects near Tuticorin- Tirunelvi belt. But Koodankulam, if stalled, will set a bad precedent. Which private investor will invest there? Sometime earlier, Tata's Titanium project was stalled. On one side, ppl are crying for development in South TN and in another side, bigger projects are stalled by our own people

I doubt if this project will be stopped. There is lot at stake here including the relations between India and Russia. The conspiracy theory is whether China or US is behind this protest, but even then I guess its too late to stop a project of this magnitude. Even Jaya is not against this project, she has only asked the CG to explain the safety procedure to the public and make them understand the necessity of this project. According to the scientists this plant has the most advanced safety precautionary measures in the world, so a mega level accident is ruled out. However the best solution according to me is to evacuate all the people from the nearby areas and provide them with good housing/community facilities elsewhere.

Off topic and I take this liberty to inform everyone.

Dear Guys,

Many of you had enquired thro PM & emails about my safety wrt Earthquake.

Thanks a lot.

I am back in Delhi from Nepal.

But it was some experience. I was supposed to visit the eastern districts of Nepal next day and it happened the previous day. Thank God.

Even Katmandu had a severe jolt. I was in 8th floor room of my hotel and it swayed like a tree for 2 minutes. All furnitures toppled and door & window shutters opening & closing. For a moment, I thought of even ghost / haunted room. I ran out in my towel :lol: and I was the best dressed person of the lot.
:lol::lol:

Not much news is coming out of Sikkim esp from affected areas.

But I was happy that Katmandu buildings withstood 6.8 Richter EQ.

Very are happy to hear from you.

@ Koodankulam:

I was not following Koodankulam News for the past few days.

Is there a major development against ?

The protesters (NGOs, Christian Orgs etc) will be bought by NPC & CG easily by offering them Propaganda work for safety.

Yep.. Its getting worse..

Jaya wrote to PM asking him to halt work at Koodankulam.

All local party leaders like DMDK, PMK, MDMK etc calling for shutting the plant down.

Mr. Narayansamy from PMO was shouted down when he visited the fasting site today and was asked to stop the project by the people there..

But, my biggest worry is, Medha Patkar has joined the protests!! This is bad.

Geez I wish Medha Patkar has two or three sons.

Good to hear, but athu ennamo ponga Kannan sir.. yerkanave sonna maathiri.. neenga pora idam ellam summa athiruthu.. :)

Off topic and I take this liberty to inform everyone.

Dear Guys,

Many of you had enquired thro PM & emails about my safety wrt Earthquake.

Thanks a lot.

I am back in Delhi from Nepal.

But it was some experience. I was supposed to visit the eastern districts of Nepal next day and it happened the previous day. Thank God.

Even Katmandu had a severe jolt. I was in 8th floor room of my hotel and it swayed like a tree for 2 minutes. All furnitures toppled and door & window shutters opening & closing. For a moment, I thought of even ghost / haunted room. I ran out in my towel :lol: and I was the best dressed person of the lot.
:lol::lol:

Not much news is coming out of Sikkim esp from affected areas.

But I was happy that Katmandu buildings withstood 6.8 Richter EQ.

In the industrial corridor development note, i read that the govt is targetting power projects near Tuticorin- Tirunelvi belt. But Koodankulam, if stalled, will set a bad precedent. Which private investor will invest there? Sometime earlier, Tata's Titanium project was stalled. On one side, ppl are crying for development in South TN and in another side, bigger projects are stalled by our own people

True

:ohno:

I am taking this discussion to TN arratai arangam.

In the industrial corridor development note, i read that the govt is targetting power projects near Tuticorin- Tirunelvi belt. But Koodankulam, if stalled, will set a bad precedent. Which private investor will invest there? Sometime earlier, Tata's Titanium project was stalled. On one side, ppl are crying for development in South TN and in another side, bigger projects are stalled by our own people

Hmmm All the projects allocated to nellai so far is really a threat to the livelihood of the farmers and other people. Nellai is basically a knowledge hub, has lot of fertile lands, has some rare medicinal herbs in Podhigai hills. If they really want to develop that area they can open some IT/Bio-tech parks, Centre for research in paddy development or have some central instituitions like AIMS, NITs or IIMs (since being a knowledge hub). The only central government research institution in nellai," Centre for research in siddha medicine" is moved to salem and SASTRA university.

Water logging

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/3238/22340781.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/838/22340781.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Hmmm All the projects allocated to nellai so far is really a threat to the livelihood of the farmers and other people. Nellai is basically a knowledge hub, has lot of fertile lands, has some rare medicinal herbs in Podhigai hills. If they really want to develop that area they can open some IT/Bio-tech parks, Centre for research in paddy development or have some central instituitions like AIMS, NITs or IIMs (since being a knowledge hub). The only central government research institution in nellai," Centre for research in siddha medicine" is moved to salem and SASTRA university.

Coastal Nellai and Tuticorin are dry belt w.o much agriculture except the Tamiraparani delta.

Do u know Germany drop this project they r closing all nuclear plant.
America and Russia is very large country. there Nuclear plant must be some 100KM distance form people living place(population also very low). so they are safe. if anything happen they have some time to escape.. here what u do if anything happen to kalpakkam. is there any time to escape. some more peoples are leaving in that area.. so there we need to worry. that too our political people looted that fund allocated to safety also. then what u do.

If that is the case close all the nuclear power plants in the country.Kudankulam cannot be an exception for the reasons of inadequate safety it applies to all the nuclear power plants in the country.Thank you to remind anti nuclear power lobbyists about Kalpakkam as the next agitation will be there to close that project.Lets begin this jihad against the dangerous nuclear power producing plants from Tamil Nadu.:)

Now JJ has agreed to pass a resolution in the Cabinet tomorrow, yielding to fisherfolks and is creating a precedent. Here after everyone is going to rise against one industry or other.

Cudalore,Nagapattinam belt may see lots of protests.

Yes, instead she could sent a telegram to the prime minister.

Now JJ has agreed to pass a resolution in the Cabinet tomorrow, yielding to fisherfolks and is creating a precedent. Here after everyone is going to rise against one industry or other.

Cudalore,Nagapattinam belt may see lots of protests.
The resolution is "just halt the construction, until the protestors are convinced.". Also the resolution is going to pass the buck to the CG to convince the protestors..

Thatha than thanthi(useless) adippar..

Now JJ has agreed to pass a resolution in the Cabinet tomorrow, yielding to fisherfolks and is creating a precedent. Here after everyone is going to rise against one industry or other.

Cudalore,Nagapattinam belt may see lots of protests.

Already there were protest in Cuddalore dt for power plants and petro chemical complex!! If Cuddalore, Tuticorin and Nagai also goes in Koodankulam way then no one will come to TN for investing.

The Internet: How the world is interconnected (http://www.submarinecablemap.com/)
Chennai is one important node[Hub]

Chennai is one important node[Hub]

Good find.:cheers:

Hmmm All the projects allocated to nellai so far is really a threat to the livelihood of the farmers and other people. Nellai is basically a knowledge hub, has lot of fertile lands, has some rare medicinal herbs in Podhigai hills. If they really want to develop that area they can open some IT/Bio-tech parks, Centre for research in paddy development or have some central instituitions like AIMS, NITs or IIMs (since being a knowledge hub). The only central government research institution in nellai," Centre for research in siddha medicine" is moved to salem and SASTRA university.

By your argument, how come unorganised mining of Ilmenite / Rutile by local politicos are allowed and ore is exported to China.?

There are additional illegal mining also all these years.

Why only Tatas were not allowed but only these guys are allowed ? TN people does not want value addition ? They do not want jobs ?

Koodankulam project has been going on for last 20 years. If they want more safety & transparency, they can fight for the same with CG & NPC.

But demand for scrapping the plant after it comes to the stage of criticality is absurd.

TN will suffer permanently if public are misled by NGOs and religious groups in this case. (FYKI, I was also part of the group which demanded similar transparency in Kalpakkam)

Which IT company is ready to come to Nellai ? Even CBE with all its facilities is struggling to attract IT cos.

As we discussed in detail earlier, Tuticorin port is the goldmine for the region and all industrial development will be dependent on that. Madurai Tuti Nellai Industrial corridor will be the engine for the development of this region.

We need Statesmen and not local dadagiri to decide on such important matters.

If that is the case close all the nuclear power plants in the country.Kudankulam cannot be an exception for the reasons of inadequate safety it applies to all the nuclear power plants in the country.Thank you to remind anti nuclear power lobbyists about Kalpakkam as the next agitation will be there to close that project.Lets begin this jihad against the dangerous nuclear power producing plants from Tamil Nadu.:)
Its already started.GREEN PEACE is heading that.They are educating the villagers around Kalpakkam.Local leaders one Mr VAIKO is very active along with his troops.

By your argument, how come unorganised mining of Ilmenite / Rutile by local politicos are allowed and ore is exported to China.?

There are additional illegal mining also all these years.

Why only Tatas were not allowed but only these guys are allowed ? TN people does not want value addition ? They do not want jobs ?

Koodankulam project has been going on for last 20 years. If they want more safety & transparency, they can fight for the same with CG & NPC.

But demand for scrapping the plant after it comes to the stage of criticality is absurd.

TN will suffer permanently if public are misled by NGOs and religious groups in this case. (FYKI, I was also part of the group which demanded similar transparency in Kalpakkam)

Which IT company is ready to come to Nellai ? Even CBE with all its facilities is struggling to attract IT cos.

As we discussed in detail earlier, Tuticorin port is the goldmine for the region and all industrial development will be dependent on that. Madurai Tuti Nellai Industrial corridor will be the engine for the development of this region.

We need Statesmen and not local dadagiri to decide on such important matters.
But people near koodankulam are brain washed to such an extent that they won't listen to any logic or reasons.They say they will nbe sfflicted with cancer low fertility etc

But people near koodankulam are brain washed to such an extent that they won't listen to any logic or reasons.They say they will nbe sfflicted with cancer low fertility etc

These are PMP like Vivek said in one film. Poor memory people. JJ promise will hold good till local body election after that if any one go on hunger stike . Mama (police) will give nicely in the B___ similar to Ram dev fast. I see this patti ( MP) poking her nose in all agitations Posco, Singur, Koodunkulam, I think she is Jobless or she has been made the face for any pubilicity. All Hindi and English channels will run after her. Captain , Siruthai , Left , Right all talk as if they landed in TN only yesterday. Only Centre sent one fit for nothing MP to utter standard template. Hopeless

Seeman: கூடங்குளம் அணுஉலையில் விபத்து ஏற்பட்டால் அபாய சங்கு ஒலிக்கும், உடனடியாக மக்கள் தங்கள் வீடுகளுக்குச் சென்று கதவுகளையும், ஜன்னல்களையும் அடைத்துக் கொண்டு, ஈரத்துணியால் முகத்தை மூடிக் கொண்டு உள்ளேயே இருக்க வேண்டும் என்றும், குழந்தைகளுக்கும் அப்படி கட்டிவிட வேண்டும் என்றும், விபத்து பெரியதாக இருந்தால் கூடங்குளத்தில் இருந்து 5 கி.மீ. தூரத்திற்கு அப்பால் வேகமாக மக்கள் இடம் பெயர வேண்டும் என்று கூறி அங்கு விபத்து ஒத்திகை நடத்தப்பட்டது ஏன்? இந்த ஒத்திகையின் காரணமாகத்தானே கூடங்குளம் அணுஉலை என்பது இத்தனை ஆபத்து நிறைந்ததா என்கிற வினாவும் அச்சமும் அங்கும் வாழும் மக்களுக்கு ஏற்பட்டது?

அதன் விளைவுதானே இத்தனை நாட்களும் லட்சக்கணக்கான மக்கள் இடிந்தகரையில் கூடி நடத்திய மாபெரும் போராட்டம்?

..

These are PMP like Vivek said in one film. Poor memory people. JJ promise will hold good till local body election after that if any one go on hunger stike . Mama (police) will give nicely in the B___ similar to Ram dev fast. I see this patti ( MP) poking her nose in all agitations Posco, Singur, Koodunkulam, I think she is Jobless or she has been made the face for any pubilicity. All Hindi and English channels will run after her. Captain , Siruthai , Left , Right all talk as if they landed in TN only yesterday. Only Centre sent one fit for nothing MP to utter standard template. Hopeless

30 people are ending their life in TN roads daily due to accident. Anyway one will come to protest for stop using roads in the state?

We have to check the manifesto of ADMK, DMK, MDMK till 2011 i.e everyone might have included we will urge CG to complete Koodankulam project ASAP. Suddenly they got new brains!!

..

Very valid arguments.

We faced similar reaction in Kalpakkam areas also.

Thats why the CG & NPC have to really employ good PR agencies and genuine NGOs to educate people.

I remember that my dad used to treat the insurance agents as Pessimistic and ill omen guys since they only talk about disaster / death.

Rather dont hold drills. Politicians know people very well. Reminds me a dialogue in Departed/Ayan.

I don't understand one thing, why can't this Green peace, NGO's, Medha all strive some good causes - coovum river cleaning - do a strike and ask govt to clean the river by all possible ways, strive to relocate the people living near filthy / dangerous places to rehablitate in a good place by educating them about the health hazards / dangers living in that place.

When they do such stupid brainwashes for no constructive purpose & why can't they preach good things for good causes which will raise the standard of living of those people.

..
I don't know what is written in tamil but mock safety drills are mandatory.If these attempted drills just before commissioning the first unit is cause for their suspicions and doubts about safety then it is not only unfortunate but comical.These half knowledege locals in the so called knowledge hub are simply carried away by the propoganda of Bishops,fathers and brothers in the sunday mass in the churches around these places who in fact enlarged it to the entire district as well as the adjacent Tuticorin district.One has to probe what made them do it.

We have to check the manifesto of ADMK, DMK, MDMK till 2011 i.e everyone might have included we will urge CG to complete Koodankulam project ASAP. Suddenly they got new brains!!

MDMK has been raising the safety concerns of nuclear plants for years.

His statement after Japan EQ. He wrote (also met?) a letter to PM reagrding the same.

http://mdmk.org.in/ta/article/aug11/warning-kalpakkam-atomic-power

ஜப்பானில், 1945 ஆகஸ்ட் 6 ஹிரோஷிமாவிலும், ஆகஸ்ட் 9 நாகசாகியிலும், அமெரிக்கா அணுகுண்டுகளை வீசி பல்லாயிரக்கணக்கானவர்களைக் கொன்று குவித்த கருப்பு நாள்; அணுக் கதிர்வீச்சின் எல்லையற்ற பாதிப்பைக் கருப்பு தினமாக உலகம் பதிய வைத்த நாள்.

28.06.1979-இல் அமெரிக்காவின் மூன்று மைல் தீவிலும், ரஷ்யாவில் 29.04.1986-இல் செர்னோபில்லிலும், 11.03.2011-ஆம் ஆண்டு ஜப்பானின் ஃபுகுஷிமாவிலும் அணு உலைகளில் வெடிப்பு நேர்ந்ததால் வெளியான கதிர்வீச்சின் காரணமாக இலட்சக்கணக்கான மக்கள் ஊனமாக, குணப்படுத்த முடியாத கொடிய நோய்களால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டு நடைப்பிணங்களாகி உள்ளனர்.

இந்தப் படிப்பினைகள் காரணமாக, அமெரிக்கா கடந்த 35 ஆண்டுகளாக புதிய அணு உலைகள் எதையும் கட்டவில்லை. கூடங்குளம், கல்பாக்கம், ஏன் நாடு முழுவதும் தரமமற்ற அணுமின் நிலையங்களைக் கட்டித்தந்த ரஷ்யாவில்கூட, கடந்த 22 வருடங்களாக புதிய அணுஉலைகள் கட்டப்படவில்லை.

ஜெர்மனி போன்ற வல்லரசு நாடுகள், படிப்படியாக தங்கள் அணு உலைகளை மூடி நல்லரசுகளாக மாறி வருகின்றன. எரிமலைகளுக்கு இடையில், பூகம்பத்தின் மடியில் அமைந்து உள்ள ஜப்பான் நாடோ, ஹிரோஷிமா, நாகசாகியில் பெற்ற படிப்பினையைப் பொருட்படுத்தாமல், நாடு முழுவதும் அணு உலைகளை தாராளமாக அனுமதித்ததன் காரணமாக ஃபுகுஷிமாவில் பெரிய படிப்பினையைப் பெற்றது. இப்போது, மாற்று வழிக்கான செயல் திட்டத்தை வகுத்துக் கொண்டு இருக்கிறது.

நடந்துவிட்ட எல்லா அபாயங்களையும் கண்ணால் பார்த்த பிறகும் இந்தியா மேலும் ஐந்து அணு உலைகளை அமைக்கப் போவதாக அறிவித்து இருப்பது, மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியையும் வேதனையையும் அளிப்பதாக உள்ளது. ஏற்கனவே நிகழ்ந்த அழிவுகளில் இருந்து எந்தப் படிப்பினையும் பெறவில்லை. 140 கோடி மக்கள் தொகை கொண்ட இந்தியா, மரண வியாபாரத்திற்கு அடிமை சாசனம் எழுதிக் கொடுத்து, அணு உலை கதிர்வீச்சின் பரிசோதனைக் கூடமாக நம் நாட்டு மக்களை மாற்றி வருகின்றதோ என்று எண்ணத் தோன்றுகிறது.

சுமார் 40 ஆண்டுகள் மட்டுமே அணு உலைகள் மூலமாக மின்சாரம் உற்பத்தி செய்ய இயலும்; பின்னர், அணு உலையைக் கதிரியக்கம் தோய்ந்த விஷக் கிடங்காக செயல் இழக்கச் செய்து, குறைந்தபட்சம் 50 ஆயிரம் ஆண்டுகள் அழிக்க முடியாது. அந்த அணு உலை பூதத்தை நாம் எச்சரிக்கையுடன் பாதுகாக்க வேண்டும். நமது கண்காணிப்பில் சிறு தவறு நேரிட்டாலும் இலட்சக்கணக்கான மக்கள் பாதிக்கப்படுவர்.

கல்பாக்கம் நிலநடுக்கப் பகுதியாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள நிலையில், சிறிய நிலப்பரப்பில் ஏற்கனவே பல அணு உலைகள் அருகருகே அமைந்து இருக்கும் போது கூடுதலாக ஆயிரத்திற்கும் மேற்பட்ட மெகாவாட் மின்சாரம் உற்பத்தி செய்யும் ஈணுலைகளை அமைப்பது நாட்டு மக்களுக்குப் பெரும் ஆபத்தை விளைவிக்கும். ஜப்பானில் ஃபுகுஷிமா அணு உலைகள் அருகருகே இருந்ததால், பூகம்பம் ஏற்பட்டு ஒன்றில் பாதிப்பு உண்டான உடனேயே மற்றதிலும் வெகு சீக்கிரத்தில் ஆபத்து உருவாகி உலகத்தை அச்சமுற வைத்தது.



அணு உலை ஆபத்து இல்லாத நாடாக இருக்க வேண்டும் என்றால் பயன்பாட்டில் உள்ள கல்பாக்கம், கூடங்குளம் அணு உலைகளின் பாதுகாப்பை அரசு உறுதிப்படுத்த வேண்டும். உத்தேசிக்கப்பட்டு உள்ள அதிவேக ஈணுலைத் திட்டத்தைக் கைவிட வேண்டும்.

இந்தியாவில் உள்ள ஒட்டுமொத்த அணு உலைக் கழிவுகளை கொண்டு வந்து, கல்பாக்கத்தில் சேமித்துப் பாதுகாக்கும் விஷக்கிடங்கு பரிசோதனை திட்டத்தைக் கைவிட வேண்டும்.

மேற்கு நாடுகளில் உள்ளது போல், அணு உலையைச் சுற்றி 16 கி.மீ. சுற்றளவில் வாழும் மக்களை இலவசக் காப்பீட்டுத் திட்டத்தில் சேர்க்க வேண்டும். இப்பகுதியில் அனைத்து வசதிகளையும் கொண்ட முழுமையான அரசு பொது மருத்துவமனையை மத்திய அரசு உருவாக்கிட வேண்டும்.

கதிர்வீச்சைப் பொறுத்தவரை பாதுகாப்பான அளவு என ஒன்று இல்லை. எனவே கதிர்வீச்சின் அளவை, பாமர மக்கள் அறிந்து கொள்ளும் வகையில் அதற்கான டிஜிட்டல் கருவிகளைப் பொருத்தி மக்களின் ஐயத்தைத் தெளிவிக்க வேண்டும்.

ஆண்டுக்கு இரண்டு மாதங்களே வெயில் கிடைக்கின்ற ஐரோப்பிய நாடுகளில், வீடுகள்தோறும், சூரியசக்தியில் இருந்து மின்சாரம் தயாரிக்கின்ற வகையில் மேற்கூரைகளைப் பொருத்தி வருகின்றார்கள். எனவே, ஆண்டு முழுவதும் நல்ல சூரிய ஒளியைப் பெறுகின்ற இந்தியா, சூரிய சக்தி மின்சாரத் திட்டங்களுக்கு முன்னுரிமை வழங்க வேண்டும்.


அணு உலையில் விபத்து ஏற்பட்டால், அணுக் கதிர்வீச்சால் அனைவரும் அழிந்து போவோம். அணு உலை இல்லாத நாடே நமது நோக்கம். முதல்கட்டமாக இருக்கின்ற அணு உலைகளில் பாதுகாப்பை உறுதி செய்யத் தேவையான நடவடிக்கைகளை இந்திய அரசு உடனடியாக மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்றும், புதிய ஈணுலைகளை அமைக்கக் கூடாது என்றும் கேட்டுக் கொள்கின்றேன்.

வைகோ
பொதுச் செயலாளர்
மறுமலர்ச்சி திராவிட முன்னேற்றக் கழகம்.
சென்னை - 8
03.08.2011

I don't understand one thing, why can't this Green peace, NGO's, Medha all strive some good causes - coovum river cleaning - do a strike and ask govt to clean the river by all possible ways, strive to relocate the people living near filthy / dangerous places to rehablitate in a good place by educating them about the health hazards / dangers living in that place.

When they do such stupid brainwashes for no constructive purpose & why can't they preach good things for good causes which will raise the standard of living of those people.

Green Peace initiatives are good in content. But to implement, they do lot of drama, which keeps the TV & Media busy. The Govts & authorities also treat them as enemies rather than stakeholders / associates and this creates a very bad & vicious atmosphere.

They are like doctors & criminal lawyers(dealing in negative issues mostly) - they bask in reflected post issue glory rather than pro active positive initiatives.

It will be funny if they are asked to deal with the Slum people of Chennai.
Ore nal than - Odiye Poyiduvanga :lol:

I consider only Vaiko as the most consistent among all others who oppose Koodankulam.

CG can really use him for educating the people as he is a very good orator and talks the local language.

MDMK has been raising the safety concerns of nuclear plants for years.

His statement after Japan EQ. He wrote (also met?) a letter to PM reagrding the same.

http://mdmk.org.in/ta/article/aug11/warning-kalpakkam-atomic-power

we can voice for stopping the new nuclear plants, but I wonder why he supported the protest to halt the 20,000crore project. I was really upset to see Vaivo too suporting to uproot the plant.

Yes gvt needs to implement those points on safety concern and facilities for the people.

As Kannan sir said here, CG can use Vaiko is pacify the protest. But looks his stand has been changed to uprooting the plant which is unfortunate.

In Political sense & dilaogue I some how feel these are all Anniyar/CIA/ sathi/ plan in not allowing India to become adeveloped nation by 2020. (Idhu eppadi irrukku)

Yes, instead she could sent a telegram to the prime minister.

:lol:

Why Rahul is not yet in Koodankulam ?

Why Rahul is not yet in Koodankulam ?

Because Koodankulam is a real issue. If he puts the wrong foot, he will be in a big political soup. Visiting Sikkim is much easier, less complicated, will invite praise from the media and last but not the least, the scenery looks much better than Koodankulam.

mMgKBnLBHtI

Congrats Sai Charan on becoming super singer 3. He was my second favourite.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/dipping-demand-for-office-space/186978-60-120.html

The demand for office space in Chennai is expected to dip, with an expected slowdown in North American and European countries affecting the information technology sector, according to a report by Real Estate Intelligence Service of Jones Lang LaSalle India.

“With Chennai being a major IT and Industrial hub, nearly 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the demand for office space in Chennai is contributed by the IT and ITES and manufacturing sectors. But this will be hit during the second half of this year and also next year, following an expected slowdown in the North American and European countries, whose economies are key to the IT sector’s growth,” the report ‘Chennai Real Estate a Closer Look’ said.

However, on a long term, Chennai office market is expected to absorb nearly four million square feet of office space annually till 2015, the study stated.

The report also stated that 2011 had ushered in renewed interest in non-IT office space in Chennai - especially from firms wishing to relocate their offices to better grade buildings. The expected fresh supply of non-IT office space should witness active absorption at the right rentals.

There will be greater demand for investment grade office spaces within the city, since there is a severe dearth of high quality office buildings in the central areas, the report said.

The Chennai office market has witnessed remarkable growth which is due to the offices built for the IT industry (as IT Parks or IT Special Economic Zones), which constitute 86 per cent of the operational office stock in Chennai.

“With 17 million sq ft of supply expected during the third quarter of 2011 to the fourth quarter of 2015, Chennai will continue to add more office space, and attain the current size of office stock of Mumbai during 2015,” the report said.

Adequate volumes of office supply will keep hitting the markets every quarter, keeping the segment interesting for occupiers as well as investors, it added.

Chennai’s high streets continue to remain as a favourite location for retailers as conversion rates in high streets are higher compared with those in malls. The neighbourhood of premium residential catchments, ample space for a hassle-free car park and proximity to the city centre are the key drivers of demand for high-end high streets. The high streets of Khadar Nawaz Khan Road (KNK Road) and Wallace Garden Road have emerged as important retail destinations for global luxury, fashion and premium brands, the report added.

The suburban area of Chennai is also witnessing significant residential activity, with nearly 71,000 residential units under construction and likely to enter the market in the next three to four years.

“This indicates the potential of Chennai’s suburbs to emerge as an attractive retail destination. Bigger residential catchments in the suburban areas combined with more reasonable rentals compared to those in the prime city are expected to act as key driving forces for retailers to increase their presence in the suburban precincts of Chennai in the long term,” the report added.

The additional mall supply is likely to be launched with high occupancy levels resulting in overall stability in the mall vacancy rate in the city. With more mall completions anticipated over the next three years, the city’s mall footprint is expected to rise annually from 2011 onwards. This trend is supported by the entry of malls by a few renowned developers such as Prestige Group, Phoenix Market City, PS Srijan and Marg Constructions, the report said.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00790/20THPOST_790186f.jpg
VALUE ADDITION: Post offices offer many services to cater to the growing needs of customers. A customer takes a look at the refrigerator and watches on sale at Anna Road post office.

Boost to metamorphosis into multi-utility service provider

Continuing with its thrust on revenue generation by offering non-postal services as a one-stop solution for consumer needs, the Department of Posts has recently introduced services for users to book travel and movie tickets.

From collecting bills, offering proof of address cards to selling applications, stationery and various products, post offices in the city are metamorphosing into a multi-utility service provider since 2008.

Officials said the department has tied up with a Delhi-based organisation, Beam Services that would serve as a platform to book tickets and also recharge mobile phones. The service is available in Anna Road head post office, Mylapore, Tambaram, Ashok Nagar and Triplicane post offices.

Besides getting prepaid recharge coupons of private telecom service providers and payment of post paid service bills except BSNL, customers could also obtain DTH recharge coupons. The department also plans to tie up with BSNL for similar service, the official added.

For those customers who do not have the facility to download from internet, the computerised post offices offer the service. Many customers are approaching the post offices to get applications forms for learner licence, community certificate and ration cards.

Besides purchasing gold coins and HMT watches across the counters, customers can now also book ‘Chotukool', a thermoelectric refrigerator of Godrej. The booking service is open only at Anna Road HPO and GPO now.

About 300 watches have been sold in two months. Gold coin sale is another hit with the Chennai region contributing 40 per cent of the sales across the State. Apart from collecting bills for government agencies, the post offices have now expanded their service to accepting cash for monthly gold savings scheme offering by a few jewellers. M. S. Ramanujan, Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, said the credibility of post offices had drawn customers to use the premium services.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2480465.ece

Guys a small tip.. If you already know, pls ignore.

I hope many are aware of the 'Edit' button below your posts. Sometimes whilst posting news items we forget to add title in the title box, right?

If you double click the edit button, then it will help you to go into 'post reply' mode where you can add the title once again (instead of single click which takes you to quick edit mode).

Check out if it works for you ppl..

Congrats Sai Charan on becoming super singer 3. He was my second favourite.

He was my first favorite...:cheers: even from the time he started singing for Juniors.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00790/20THPOST_790186f.jpg
VALUE ADDITION: Post offices offer many services to cater to the growing needs of customers. A customer takes a look at the refrigerator and watches on sale at Anna Road post office.

Boost to metamorphosis into multi-utility service provider

Continuing with its thrust on revenue generation by offering non-postal services as a one-stop solution for consumer needs, the Department of Posts has recently introduced services for users to book travel and movie tickets.

From collecting bills, offering proof of address cards to selling applications, stationery and various products, post offices in the city are metamorphosing into a multi-utility service provider since 2008.

Officials said the department has tied up with a Delhi-based organisation, Beam Services that would serve as a platform to book tickets and also recharge mobile phones. The service is available in Anna Road head post office, Mylapore, Tambaram, Ashok Nagar and Triplicane post offices.

Besides getting prepaid recharge coupons of private telecom service providers and payment of post paid service bills except BSNL, customers could also obtain DTH recharge coupons. The department also plans to tie up with BSNL for similar service, the official added.

For those customers who do not have the facility to download from internet, the computerised post offices offer the service. Many customers are approaching the post offices to get applications forms for learner licence, community certificate and ration cards.

Besides purchasing gold coins and HMT watches across the counters, customers can now also book ‘Chotukool', a thermoelectric refrigerator of Godrej. The booking service is open only at Anna Road HPO and GPO now.

About 300 watches have been sold in two months. Gold coin sale is another hit with the Chennai region contributing 40 per cent of the sales across the State. Apart from collecting bills for government agencies, the post offices have now expanded their service to accepting cash for monthly gold savings scheme offering by a few jewellers. M. S. Ramanujan, Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, said the credibility of post offices had drawn customers to use the premium services.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2480465.ece

Everthing is ok but please change the Thattas and patties seating in the counters. these people who joined india post before computers were invented has no clue how to operate them. A simple MO which can be processed in 5 mins takes 15 mins for them to key in the details , seek clarification, incorrectly print the receipt again redo the process and another 5 mins fighting for the change with the poor guy who waited in the Q for 30 mins. 1 hour for a MO India post is not going anywhere

Increase in crime rate because of immigrant workers

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/6677/24545343.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/695/24545343.jpg/)

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Increase in crime rate because of immigrant workers

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Should we say increase in crime rate is because of the widening rich-poor gap?

Should we say increase in crime rate is because of the widening rich-poor gap?

Could be. But it has been documented many many times, that crime seems to be coming across the corners of the nation usually separated by distance. I recall many cases either known personal to me or read in papers where migrant workers from Bihar, Bengal etc end up on the wrong side of crime, as Chennai presents an easy target.

I was stumped when I read a case, where the culprits as a gang fly into Chennai from Kolkata, rob homes and fly back in style. This may seem rare level of sophistication, but read few other cases, where the robbers use trains which makes me wonder.

I am not saying that these robbers didnot also use the same Modus Operandi elsewhere. But yes, we are in a world where crime is increasingly coming from across the state borders.

The South & East India seems more conservative. One of my friends who worked in TN for 15 years was transferred to Mumbai and he is still there. His attitude has totally changed after going to Mumbai and is very forward thinking now.

Mumbai has got Business in Air, I suppose :)
Saying TN is conservative is heresy here. :lol:

SBIOA plans new international school in Chennai


State Bank of India Officers Association (SBIOA) is setting up an international school which will be first of its kind for the association which already has seven school. It has acquired 26 acres of land at Mambakkam between Vandalur and Kelambakkam in Chennai to build 1,800 flats for its employees and another 10 acres in the same area for building the international school .This was disclosed by SBIOA president D Suresh Kumar during the 24th General Body Meeting of SBIOA (Chennai Circle) which was attended by 2,500 employees from the state and Puducherry here on Saturday.
Deputy managing director and corporate development officer Arundhati Bhattacharya, who inaugurated the event, said the association’s demand of a five-day week and eight-hour work a day could only materialise if the bank’s business per employee which is `7 crore per person far outstrips Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda whose business per employee is `10 crore and `13 crore respectively.
“It is difficult to pursue the demand,” she said. Later speaking to Express, deputy general secretary of SBIOA D Thomas Franco said the demands are genuine. “When RBI and all the Central government establishments are having five-day week why should we be left behind. We will pursue our demand,” he said. Interestingly, the profits of that bank have dipped last year to `8,000 crore because of making provisions for bad debts. ‘‘This year the management has projected a target of `10,000 cr wh ich is attainable,” he said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sbioa-plans-new-school-in-chennai/187272-60-120.html

FANTASTIC LINK ABOUT CHENNAI (Kind of yellow pages)

Please do have a look!

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/3972722/1582556704/name/Chennai%20guide_2011.pdf

I hope every one are able to click the pdf link!

The Mayor of Chennai, M. Subramaniam, has launched a YouTube Channel. Elections coming up ;)

Check out the first video put up on the channel:

FqmSB2EqJFs

Friends, do we have SSC app for symbian OS? I use Nokia N8.

Any idea about this??

http://www.townland.com/expertise_project.php?expertiseid=23&id=28

Ludhiana has got another tag: Most polluted city in the country. With 251 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter (PM) 10, the city’s bad air has pitch-forked it into the top most national rank.

Following Ludhiana with 209 micrograms per cubic meter is Kanpur, while Delhi ranks third with 198 and Lucknow and Indore with 186 and 174 micrograms per cubic meter PM10, respectively, round off the top five list.

Mumbai comes tenth with 132 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 (particles less than 10 microns), according to World Health Organisation’s urban air pollution database released here on Monday. The database recorded PM presence in 1,100 cities in 91 countries of the world from 2003 to 2010.

India’s urban cities’ bad air is a far cry from WHO’s air quality guidelines of a maximum 20 micrograms per cubic meter but there are nine more cities in the country which have fared worse.

Incidentally, of the 32 cities in the country considered by the report, Amritsar is the least polluted with 41 micrograms per cubic meter.

Mumbai ranks third among metropolitan cities with the highest being Delhi and the lowest being Chennai with 48 micrograms per cubic meter. Kolkata came in second with 148 micrograms per cubic meter, while Bangalore was fourth with 90 micrograms per cubic meter.

However, as a whole, India ranks as the thirteenth most polluted country out of the 91 considered with an annual mean of 109 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10. The cleanest city in the world is Whitehorse in Canda and the most polluted is Ahwaz in Iran with 372 micrograms per cubic meter.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/ludhiana-most-polluted-amritsar-least-in-india/852177/

Good job Chennai!!

Friends, do we have SSC app for symbian OS? I use Nokia N8.

Yes, I think it's available. I remember Kannan sir mentioning it.

It's there for Android, I use that app.

Ludhiana has got another tag: Most polluted city in the country. With 251 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter (PM) 10, the city’s bad air has pitch-forked it into the top most national rank.

Following Ludhiana with 209 micrograms per cubic meter is Kanpur, while Delhi ranks third with 198 and Lucknow and Indore with 186 and 174 micrograms per cubic meter PM10, respectively, round off the top five list.

Mumbai comes tenth with 132 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 (particles less than 10 microns), according to World Health Organisation’s urban air pollution database released here on Monday. The database recorded PM presence in 1,100 cities in 91 countries of the world from 2003 to 2010.

India’s urban cities’ bad air is a far cry from WHO’s air quality guidelines of a maximum 20 micrograms per cubic meter but there are nine more cities in the country which have fared worse.

Incidentally, of the 32 cities in the country considered by the report, Amritsar is the least polluted with 41 micrograms per cubic meter.

Mumbai ranks third among metropolitan cities with the highest being Delhi and the lowest being Chennai with 48 micrograms per cubic meter. Kolkata came in second with 148 micrograms per cubic meter, while Bangalore was fourth with 90 micrograms per cubic meter.

However, as a whole, India ranks as the thirteenth most polluted country out of the 91 considered with an annual mean of 109 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10. The cleanest city in the world is Whitehorse in Canda and the most polluted is Ahwaz in Iran with 372 micrograms per cubic meter.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/ludhiana-most-polluted-amritsar-least-in-india/852177/

My poor mind cannot fathom how these comparisons are valid. Neglecting the industrial pollution and assuming that in the cities taken for comparison, only the total number of motor vehicles as the source of air pollution, I wonder if they take into consideration the ratio of size of the cities to the number of motor vehicles registered and make the comparison, rather than just taking the total air pollution values from the cities, calculating the per cubic meter value from that and comparing them.

Considering a linear relationship between the size of the city and the total number of motor vehicles registered, for example Calcutta is approximately 8-9 times the size of Chennai and if we assume that the total number of vehicles in these two cities hold a linear relationship with the size, and therefore the total number of vehicles in Kolkatta is much much higher than in Chennai, I would say Chennai's total pollution levels, measured in its city centre for its size are worse compared to the total pollution levels measured in the city center (Area where maximum pollution is measured) of Kolkatta for its size.

I apologize if my understanding is too silly. :ohno:

My poor mind cannot fathom how these comparisons are valid. Neglecting the industrial pollution and assuming that in the cities taken for comparison, only the total number of motor vehicles as the source of air pollution, I wonder if they take into consideration the ratio of size of the cities to the number of motor vehicles registered and make the comparison, rather than just taking the total air pollution values from the cities, calculating the per cubic meter value from that and comparing them.

Considering a linear relationship between the size of the city and the total number of motor vehicles registered, for example Calcutta is approximately 8-9 times the size of Chennai and if we assume that the total number of vehicles in these two cities hold a linear relationship with the size, and therefore the total number of vehicles in Kolkatta is much much higher than in Chennai, I would say Chennai's total pollution levels, measured in its city centre for its size are worse compared to the total pollution levels measured in the city center (Area where maximum pollution is measured) of Kolkatta for its size.

I apologize if my understanding is too silly. :ohno:


Source : http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0856525.html

In cities, air may be severely polluted not only by transportation but also by the burning of fossil fuels (oil and coal) in generating stations, factories, office buildings, and homes and by the incineration of garbage. The massive combustion produces tons of ash, soot, and other particulates responsible for the gray smog of cities like New York and Chicago, along with enormous quantities of sulfur oxides (which also may be result from burning coal and oil). These oxides rust iron, damage building stone, decompose nylon, tarnish silver, and kill plants


So smaller cities could have more micrograms/cm of particulate matter for reasons other than automobile pollution.

If Chennai's surface area is 174 sqkm then yes Calcutta is 8-9 times its size but the Chennai Metropolitan area is ~ 1200 sqkm almost the same size as Kolkotta and growing .Even the Corporation limits have become three fold now .
:)

FANTASTIC LINK ABOUT CHENNAI (Kind of yellow pages)

Please do have a look!

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/3972722/1582556704/name/Chennai%20guide_2011.pdf

I hope every one are able to click the pdf link!

yup it is good, needs an update.

Shopping center - you dont have new ones like express avenue listed.

Hospitals - Most of the good hospitals have not been listed, Shankar Nethralaya, Miot, Malar, Chettinad, lifeline & many more left out.

http://i.imgur.com/2A4Tg.png (http://imgur.com/2A4Tg)

Should be a shoe company somewhere.

^^ ING HQ

^^ ING HQ

Super right.

ING House is the head office of ING Group. ING House contains the board room, offices for senior management and a number of corporate departments.

It has a streamlined shape in anodized aluminum and glass and is constructed like a table on 16 steel legs. The legs stand freely on pins in large concrete blocks in the ground, a technique used in bridge building.

The building is 28 meters wide, 138 meters long and at the highest point of its 10 floors, 48 meters tall. The total site area is 5,600m2. ING House has a lobby, 250 seat auditorium, a foyer, restaurant, library, more than 800m2 of conference rooms and 160 parking spaces

Though vertical buildings - usual match box stuff gives maximum utilisation of space, these kind of buildings here and there should also be built in chennai, that gives a kind of uniquness our city.

The new chennai corporation city limits are here:
http://osm.org/go/y4ZCxuS-?relation=1766358
:)

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/article2487677.ece?homepage=true

Where is this located?

Super right.

ING House is the head office of ING Group. ING House contains the board room, offices for senior management and a number of corporate departments.

It has a streamlined shape in anodized aluminum and glass and is constructed like a table on 16 steel legs. The legs stand freely on pins in large concrete blocks in the ground, a technique used in bridge building.

The building is 28 meters wide, 138 meters long and at the highest point of its 10 floors, 48 meters tall. The total site area is 5,600m2. ING House has a lobby, 250 seat auditorium, a foyer, restaurant, library, more than 800m2 of conference rooms and 160 parking spaces

Though vertical buildings - usual match box stuff gives maximum utilisation of space, these kind of buildings here and there should also be built in chennai, that gives a kind of uniquness our city.

Where is this located?

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Ludhiana has got another tag: Most polluted city in the country. With 251 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter (PM) 10, the city’s bad air has pitch-forked it into the top most national rank.

Following Ludhiana with 209 micrograms per cubic meter is Kanpur, while Delhi ranks third with 198 and Lucknow and Indore with 186 and 174 micrograms per cubic meter PM10, respectively, round off the top five list.

Mumbai comes tenth with 132 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 (particles less than 10 microns), according to World Health Organisation’s urban air pollution database released here on Monday. The database recorded PM presence in 1,100 cities in 91 countries of the world from 2003 to 2010.

India’s urban cities’ bad air is a far cry from WHO’s air quality guidelines of a maximum 20 micrograms per cubic meter but there are nine more cities in the country which have fared worse.

Incidentally, of the 32 cities in the country considered by the report, Amritsar is the least polluted with 41 micrograms per cubic meter.

Mumbai ranks third among metropolitan cities with the highest being Delhi and the lowest being Chennai with 48 micrograms per cubic meter. Kolkata came in second with 148 micrograms per cubic meter, while Bangalore was fourth with 90 micrograms per cubic meter.

However, as a whole, India ranks as the thirteenth most polluted country out of the 91 considered with an annual mean of 109 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10. The cleanest city in the world is Whitehorse in Canda and the most polluted is Ahwaz in Iran with 372 micrograms per cubic meter.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/ludhiana-most-polluted-amritsar-least-in-india/852177/

i just came from Mumbai after a 15 day trip and found it not so bad. I didn't see much pollution as what was being mentioned. Maybe i can only smell it in 100 feet road Chennai.

Should be a shoe company somewhere.

made on Archimedes principle that if the world sees a storm and if water were to raise above sea levels this building will float! probably. 2012 is fast approaching right?

i just came from Mumbai after a 15 day trip and found it not so bad. I didn't see much pollution as what was being mentioned. Maybe i can only smell it in 100 feet road Chennai.

Or maybe you didn't visit the places where it smells :)

i just came from Mumbai after a 15 day trip and found it not so bad. I didn't see much pollution as what was being mentioned. Maybe i can only smell it in 100 feet road Chennai.

the expressindia media is writting some un-truth stories, please write and teach them a lesson.

the expressindia media is writting some un-truth stories, please write and teach them a lesson.
Because they ran an article citing numbers from the world health organization?

WHO air pollution database:
http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/OAP_database_8_2011.xls

In Mumbai, my nostrils burn when ever I used to cross the RCF factory in Chembur.

Similarly, in Chennai, Manali area is so bad and eyes & nostrils burn.

Pallavaram is also of Similar status. The ground water will be Red in colour . There will be a strong stench of Chemical that people not familiar in the area will get a headache. The tannery has no regard for rules, They let out all hard chemicals used for leather tannery into gutter which gets mixed with the water bodies in the area. Animal waste is dumped in open land and they burn it to ensure there is space for tomorrow's waste

Have a cool rainy day folks.... :)

Based on the volume of goods purchased and sold online, the city is the fifth largest e-commerce hub in the country.

Chennai residents buy everything from water filters, nose hair trimmers, tanzanite gemstones to men's underwear online. The findings, based on a census carried out by eBay to identify online shopping patterns, show that the residents predominantly buy technology products online (46 per cent).

Kancheepuram (the district hosts much of the IT Corridor and several educational institutions) comes second, after Chennai, in online shopping volumes. Among all States, Tamil Nadu ranks third in the country.

Addressing press persons here on Wednesday, Rajesh Ramachandran, General Manager – India Product Centre, eBay, said: “There is a strong evidence to show that online commerce is becoming mainstream.”

The numbers based on a study of all transactions that happened in eBay's virtual marketplace between July 2010 and June 2011 also show that brand conscious city residents are ordering lifestyle products from abroad. The purchase of such items account for 43 per cent of the transactions, which is the second most popular category. Pointing to women shoppers increasingly becoming web-savvy, Mr. Ramachandran said that Chennai virtually buys the most Tanzanite gemstones in the country. “Most sales are from shoppers based in Mandaveli and Mylapore. On the sales side, Chennai builds the world by exporting the most marble tiles in the country,” he added.

source (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2495510.ece)

Illegal online pharmacy network busted ..

Psychotropic drugs, like Alprax,Diazepam,oxycodone and Hydrocodone...

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2495498.ece

Illegal online pharmacy network busted ..

Psychotropic drugs, like Alprax,Diazepam,oxycodone and Hydrocodone...

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2495498.ece

i have heard of psychedelic drugs what is psychotropic drugs?

i have heard of psychedelic drugs what is psychotropic drugs?

They are a broad category of drugs used by psychiatrists. They are used to treat a wide variety of psychiatric illness but some of them can be abused too so it should not be sold without a prescription.

TN Governor unveils foundation stone for skill development centre




The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Mr K. Rosaiah, on Thursday unveiled the foundation stone for a skill development centre being established by the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

The event also marked the celebration of 175 years of MCCI. Delivering the guest address, Mr Rosaiah said, “The initiative taken by MCCI to establish a skill development centre is expected to address the challenges of availability of skilled manpower and employability of youth.”

MCCI has started ground work on the vocational training and skill development centre at a land between Sriperumbudur and Tiruvallur. Talks are on with potential sponsors and donors, said Mr T.T. Srinivasaraghavan, President, MCCI.

MCCI is working on an initiative to form a Sustainable Chennai Forum, which will evolve a policy for sustainable development of the Chennai metropolitan region. It has also concluded a study on the problems facing the Chennai port; findings will be presented soon.

Sustainable development and environment conservation must not remain a notional concept. It must be implemented quickly, said Mr S. Sandilya, Chairman, Eicher Group, and President of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

SIAM along with the Ministry of Heavy Industries has submitted a strategy paper on electric and hybrid vehicles, he said. “We need to implement what we decide quickly. China is far ahead in electric vehicles. Lot of work is going on around the world on electric vehicles. I hope for large scale commercialisation soon.”

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2497560.ece

Rain havoc

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/4825/23731375.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/23731375.jpg/)

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our climate is the worst in the whole wide world. it rains when thats the last thing we ever need and does not rain during the hot summers when people die of sun strokes.

If the authorities are not maintaining the city well even weather conditions are a big let off by mother nature. Saabha kedu sir indha ooru.

our climate is the worst in the whole wide world. it rains when thats the last thing we ever need and does not rain during the hot summers when people die of sun strokes.

If the authorities are not maintaining the city well even weather conditions are a big let off by mother nature. Saabha kedu sir indha ooru.

Endha ooru sir mention panareenga...

Endha ooru sir mention panareenga...

oru singara saakadai city pathi sonnen.

oru singara saakadai city pathi sonnen.

Then you got geography wrong. I tot you are mentioning one of these places like Orissa,MP, Surat & thar desert...when you mentioned people r dieing of sun strokes.

Then you got geography wrong. I tot you are mentioning one of these places like Orissa,MP, Surat & thar desert...when you mentioned people r dieing of sun strokes.

in chennai also during the agni natchatiram sunny days people die of heat strokes.

our climate is the worst in the whole wide world. it rains when thats the last thing we ever need and does not rain during the hot summers when people die of sun strokes.

If the authorities are not maintaining the city well even weather conditions are a big let off by mother nature. Saabha kedu sir indha ooru.

Rain fall pattern has changed a lot in chennai particularly after the 2004 dec tsunami.prescipitation has gone up.Chennai city recording 890mm of rainfall during this period is very rare.

oru singara saakadai city pathi sonnen.

Recently our capital city Delhi was like that on account of heavy downpour and all roads became canal or gutter it was difficult to distinguish despite spending huge amounts for the CWG.Have u seen Mumbai during the monsoon and heavy rains.U can't reach homes.People stay back in offices.I used to carry extra pair of clothes,soap,toothpaste and brush during monsoon during my stay in mumbai while in service.In 10 years from then it has become much worst.:)

Rain fall pattern has changed a lot in chennai particularly after the 2004 dec tsunami.prescipitation has gone up.Chennai city recording 890mm of rainfall during this period is very rare.

+1.

Plus, there is rains in April/May.

in chennai also during the agni natchatiram sunny days people die of heat strokes.

Its not only in India, even here in US people died due to heat strokes in this summer.

^^ Did anybody say people wont die of sunstroke in US ?

5CKgVxTBKo0

1ZzUUaWzYz0&feature=related

Vinoth,

Another original from you.

I tried yachting in Andamans (passive passenger) and I enjoyed it (except the peculiar smell of sea water).

Are they allowing public in Chennai ?

^^ Did anybody say people wont die of sunstroke in US ?

^^:lol::lol::lol:

Vinod gopal said in Chennai people die because of sun stroke, sunstroke causes death in most cases, but such strokes are very very rare in Chennai when compared to other places I mentioned....that he has to understand.

Enna inga sandai ? Enna inga sandai ?

Vinoth,

Another original from you.

I tried yachting in Andamans (passive passenger) and I enjoyed it (except the peculiar smell of sea water).

Are they allowing public in Chennai ?

I thought you will be knowing the current status. The video description says something like Royal Madras Yacht Club. Their FB page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Royal-Madras-Yacht-Club/100798713299100

Enna inga sandai ? Enna inga sandai ?

Future CM sonna sonnathuthan.

Raji, Anniyan, Indian Sun - Kapchip Kabardhar :lol:

I thought you will be knowing the current status. The video description says something like Royal Madras Yacht Club. Their FB page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Royal-Madras-Yacht-Club/100798713299100

Thanks Vinoth,

I thought that these were only for sportsmen - competitors.

I will try for a week end with family.

Exploring the wild life of Chennai| 18 min video


http://goodtimes.ndtv.com/video/videolist.aspx?vid=212281&pfrom=home-goodtimes

Future CM sonna sonnathuthan.

Raji, Anniyan, Indian Sun - Kapchip Kabardhar :lol:

Evaru endha state CM aga poraru. TN CM ana matha ella state kum nallathu nadakum TN thavira, ungalukku TN vitu relocate aga evalo asaiya. ..:lol::lol::lol:

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/investment-world/article2503915.ece

In the next three years, the supply of office space in Chennai will reach 60 million square feet, and half a dozen more plazas are likely to come up.

After the recovery of the last two years in the residential space, the Chennai real estate market appears to be showing some activity in the commercial space with retail space supply and demand picking up and office space supply, particularly in non-IT segment, on the increase. But the market balance will favour tenants rather than owners for some time to come. In the next three years, the supply of office space in Chennai will reach approximately 60 million square feet, which will equal that in present day Mumbai, according to a study by the international property consultants Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). This is good for prospective tenants looking for quality office space, says the study, titled ‘Chennai Real Estate, a closer look'.

Typically, for Chennai, commercial office space supply has seen an addition of approximately 20 million square feet, in the three years since 2006, with IT office space dominating the supply and demand. Between the third quarter of 2011 and the end of 2015, more than 17 million square feet of office space will be added, bringing the total availability on par with that in Mumbai, the commercial capital.

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE

Though the IT space continues to be the primary driver of the market, in the current year there has been interest in office space leasing activity in the non-IT segment, as firms relocate offices to quality buildings.

Also, this dovetails with the dearth of high quality office space in the central areas, with new supply happening in the suburbs. The lease rates in the suburbs, along with the quality space, are driving the demand in the fringes of the city, accounting for the pattern that is being seen, says the study.

The rent for office properties in Chennai, after remaining stable for the last 6-7 quarters, is now on the increase in some of the secondary business districts. In the central business districts, the rent ranges around Rs 65-85 a square foot; in the secondary business districts it is Rs 45-55; and in the peripheral business districts, space is available for Rs 20-40. The attractive rentals will drive the cost-sensitive clients to peripheral areas along the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), the IT corridor to the south of Chennai. But the demand is restricted to areas closer to the city's fringes and is contributing to rental values firming up.

According to JLL statistics, of the available 55 million square feet of office space, net absorption in 2011 was approximately 36 million square feet. Next year, the supply is expected to increase to approximately 58 million square feet, with a net absorption of approximately 39 million square feet. In 2013, the gap between demand and supply is expected to close, with supply at 44 million and absorption at 41 million. Office space vacancy is expected to peak in 2012, at around 23 per cent, and drop subsequently.

However, IT and ITES continue to account for the lion's share of the market, contributing to approximately 60 per cent of the leases in 2010, with banking and financial services accounting for 9 per cent, and manufacturing 14 per cent, and others, the balance.

However, with the slowdown in the US and Europe, the IT industry could dampen the market during the coming year. The property consultant estimates that till 2015, office space uptake could range around 4 million square feet a year.

The huge supply of residential space anticipated during the next three-four years, estimated at approximately 71,000 units in the suburbs, is driving the supply of plaza space in the city's periphery, in anticipation of the demand that is bound to happen.

RETAIL SPACE AND PLAZAS

During the next three years, half a dozen plazas are likely to commence operations. New supplies are happening within the city and the periphery. The supply in plazas follows the initial focus on high streets, says the report. In terms of residential supply, there is a bias towards increased supply of high-end projects in the city, while there is a good mix of high and mid-end offerings in the suburbs.

The study categorises residential units of Rs 40-60 lakh as mid-end, and those less than Rs 40 lakh as value housing. But with new projects being offered at higher price points, the share of value housing, which was approximately 97 per cent in 2009, has dropped to approximately 4 per cent in 2011. This indicates the buoyancy in the market for residential space, which was the first to recover from the slowdown three years ago.

Election campaigning in MTC bus

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/7641/21621515.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/651/21621515.jpg/)

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^^
btw, did he buy a ticket? :)

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/job-placements-iit-madras-862

The US debt crisis and economic slowdown in Europe does not seem to have had any effect on the Indian recruitment scenario.

The number of companies registered with the placement office of the IIT in Chennai has nearly doubled this year over last year from 70 to 126.

B. Nagarajan, deputy registrar (training and placement), IIT Madras, said that they had sent letters to more than 700 companies asking them to take part in the institute’s campus recruitment drive and 126 of these corporates had confirmed their participation.

“Last year, only about 70 to 80 companies had confirmed their registration. We keep our registration open till November every year to allow more companies to take part in the recruitment drive. All IITs in the country will start recruitment on December 1,” he said.

Nagarajan was confident that the average salary per student would this year be more than the Rs 7.40 lakh per annum of last year.

“This year, the highest salary ranges between $90,000 (Rs 44,10,000) to $125,000 (Rs 61,15,000) per annum,” he said.

Among those who have registered with the institute’s placement office for campus recruitment are social networking website Facebook and FMCG giant Sony.

This year about 1,100 B.Tech, B.Tech (dual) and research scholars have registered with the placement office for taking part in recruitment drive.

Last year of the 1,146 registered students, 82 per cent of B.Tech students got placed and 73 per cent of M.Tech were recruited by top companies.

I just spent the day campaigning with raj cherubal (of chennai city connect) for councillor in the new kottivakkam ward. There is hope, for at least one ward :)

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/paraguay-consulate-inaugurated-in-city/189645-60-120.html

The Consulate of Paraguay was inaugurated in Chennai at the AVM Studios premises recently. It was declared open by Ambassador of Paraguay, His excellancy Genaro Vincente Pappalardo along with Chennai honorary council AVM Balasubramanian.

I just spent the day campaigning with raj cherubal (of chennai city connect) for councillor in the new kottivakkam ward. There is hope, for at least one ward :)

I was going through his website via his twitter handle. Good potential - hope for the best.

How to regain green cover



http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00798/vbk-03-cpgraphic_798833f.jpg

Environmental consequences of green cover loss are wide ranging

The city holds the dubious distinction of being one of the least green metros in the country. With a green cover spread over just 9.5 per cent of its geographic area, Chennai's dream of achieving the goal of 33 per cent urban forest cover by 2012, as envisaged in the National Forest Policy (1988), might remain simply a pipe dream.

The city's fall from grace has been dramatic. Experts point to the decade immediately after the economic liberalisation, especially between 1997 and 2001, when the city lost up to 99 per cent of its green cover in some parts. The built-up area in the city nearly doubled in that short period, show remote sensing satellite images.

Koothapiran, known as ‘Vanoli Anna' on All India Radio, recalls how he used to walk from Adyar to the Mylapore Kapaleeswarar temple to listen to Navaratri concerts. “The entire stretch used to be lined with trees and there used to be nearly 400 coconut palms around the temple tank. But over the years we have lost many trees to development.”

The environmental consequences of the reduction in green cover has been wide ranging – increase in air pollution, ground water depletion, frequent flooding during the monsoon and an overall rise in temperature in the city as a result of concretisation.

“Air quality in the city has markedly deteriorated in the past decade,” says R. Sridharan of the Asthma Allergy Resource Centre. “More young children are showing asthmatic symptoms than ever before,” he adds. Studies show that residents of the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) would collectively breathe in over 4,000 lakh kg of vehicular emission annually if drastic improvements are not made. Monsingh Devadas, Dean, School of Planning and Architecture, Anna University, says that the green cover dwindled in the city due to rapid and unplanned urbanisation. “Open spaces came down as the built-up area increased.”

‘Urban heat island'

He says that the combination of dense built-up areas and reduced vegetation has resulted in an increase in urban temperature, a phenomenon known as the ‘urban heat island' effect. “Since concrete and asphalt absorb the heat, unlike trees which re-radiate it back into the atmosphere, the number and intensity of hot spots in the city is increasing. People are being forced to spend more on electricity costs, especially to run air-conditioners at night,” he adds.

On the other hand, Delhi's turn-around offers a picture in contrast. Over the past 10 years, the national capital's green cover expanded by nearly 10 times. Govind Singh of Delhi Greens, an NGO, says that the city has realised that tree plantation drives would be successful only if the local population is involved. “The events are widely publicised and celebrated like a festival. The 2,800 eco-clubs that function in schools and colleges have also played a big role.”

After steadily declining for three decades, ground water levels in Delhi have stabilised, air quality has improved and noise levels have reduced. Developing a green belt around each residential locality that can act as a noise barrier is now official policy, Mr.Singh says. “If we want to live in sustainable cities, we must understand that trees are an integral part of the landscape, not an obstruction.”

Plantation without vision

Questioning Chennai's own afforestation efforts, Mr.Devadas, says the current urban tree cover improvement efforts are often not carried out strategically. Hence, trees are standing as a green element rather than contributing to environmental benefits. Trees can improve the urban environment only when it is spatially integrated within the city planning, he says.

This year, the Forest Department plans to plant six lakh saplings in Chennai region, including 25,000 inside the Vandalur zoo. Environmentalists emphasise that the saplings would have to be planted keeping in mind the 23 guidelines issued by the Urban Development Ministry for afforestation in urban areas. The guidelines specified in 2000 clearly state that an area of 6x6 inches is to be left un-cemented around trees to let them grow. They also specify that digging near trees is to be avoided.

R.Madhavan of the Environmental Society of Mandaveli says that maintenance and pruning is another major problem and the Chennai Corporation does not take adequate care. “Every tree that is taller than 25 feet requires attention ahead of the monsoon. Urban environments restrict their roots between the compound wall and the road. Trees can easily topple.” However, the civic body maintains that pruning is carried out on a regular basis across localities based on a time-table.

Having personally planted over 3,000 avenue trees, he also says that instead of making a big fuss about cutting trees, people must make a fuss about planting trees. The Chennai Metro Rail project alone is estimated to result in the loss of 17,000 trees. Over 35,000 trees were axed for the Delhi Metro, but the overall green cover still increased substantially. “The concept of a tree's permanency does not exist. They also die, but ought to be replaced,” says Mr.Madhavan.

What they say

T.K.M. Chinnayya, Environment Minister:

It is disheartening but true that Chennai’s green cover is much lower. However, there is widespread acknowledgement about the importance of trees. We are planning to increase the tree cover in schools and colleges by forming student clubs. Citizens and NGOs must get involved. Tree saplings are available for free at the Forest Department’s nurseries in Velachery, Anna Nagar, Padapai and Perungalathur.

Pauline Deborah, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Biology, Women’s Christian College:

Choosing the right place and species is highly crucial and it requires inputs from tree experts. Random tree planting drives just for the sake of publicity do not help. It is not about the number we gain or lose but the number we manage to sustain, so that there is a balance in the oxygen spent and oxygen released ratio.

M.B. Nirmal, founder, Exnora International:

When trees are cut, the air becomes more polluted. Trees were cut at the Omandurar Government Estate and for widening of roads in various parts. The metro rail took over Nehru Park and Thiru Vi Ka Park and chopped down trees there. They are going to chop over 300 trees in the Pachaiyappa's College campus in the name of development

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2508189.ece

Is there a similar image for 2011. Not sure why they are debating on the year 2000 image. Has it taken 10 years for the environmentalists to wake up & highlight this issue. With remote sensing available this should be highligheted every quarter and be made as a curriculam subject in all schools. We just planed 100 trees in Girugambakkam near PSBB Millaenum school last week and students were very helpful in doing this. Tree planting on the IRR has also been done last month. the forest department Velachery were helpful but they were complaining about not maintaining & monitoring the growth.

Facts & figures from Project Green Hands website

Did You Know?

Our planet is losing forest at the staggering rate of a football-pitch sized area every second.
Six million hectares of primary forest are lost every year due to deforestation and modification through selective logging and other human interventions. Only 20 per cent of the world’s forests remain in large intact areas.
Destruction of forests creates numerous environmental catastrophes, including altering local rainfall patterns, accelerating soil erosion, causing the flooding of rivers, and threatening millions of species of plants, animals and insects with extinction.
Tropical forests cover 23 per cent of the Earth's land surface, but they are disappearing at a rate of 4.6 million hectares a year. Asia leads losses with 2.2 million hectares a year, Latin America and the Caribbean together lose 1.9 million and Africa loses 470,000 hectares of rain forest every year.
The warmest 22 years ever recorded have happened within the last 25 years. The two warmest ever recorded, within the last three.
Trees include the largest and longest living organisms on earth. – UNEP
In one year, an average tree inhales 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of CO2 and exhales enough oxygen for a family of four for a year. – UNEP
One hectare of trees can absorb 6 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. - UNEP
A long haul flight will produce 3.75 tonnes of CO2 (or one tonne of carbon) - UNEP
Agroforestry programmes make trees more accessible and spread their benefits more widely. Trees on farms often yield more biomass. Nitrogen-fixing trees planted in shelterbelts or interspersed with crops can enhance soil fertility, increase soil moisture and reduce erosion. – UNEP
Trains as a mass transport system contribute the least to CO2 emission and consumption of fossils fuels – UNEP
Tamil Nadu has the unique distinction of having 2 bio sphere reserves, one in the Nilgiris and another in the Gulf of Mannar
Forest Green Cover in Tamil Nadu is 17.5% whereas the ideal level is 33%
The global temperature could raise by 6.4 degrees by the end of the century because of increased Green house gas emissions – IPCC, Jan 2007
Acceleration of sea level rise since 1993 has doubled to 3.1mm/year compare to the period between 1961 & 1993. Sea levels could increase by 0.59m by the end of the century. It will have an impact on 27 countries, including India, where millions live within 50km of the coast line as in the case of Mumbai and Chennai. – IPCC, Jan 2007
Simulation with regional climate model indicates that by the middle of the century powerful cyclones could arise more frequently along Indian coasts. – IPCC, Jan 2007
466 glaciers in the Himalayas have shrunk by about 21% since 1961 - IPCC, Jan 2007
80% of the existing forest in India are undergoing a change in the type of vegetation that will have a significant impact on the wildlife they supported. Many species of plant and animals could face extinction - IPCC, Jan 2007
India's emissions of carbon dioxide have increased by 88% since 1990 and could increase to 3,000 million tones by 2020 which would be twice the level of 2000 - IPCC, Jan 2007

I just spent the day campaigning with raj cherubal (of chennai city connect) for councillor in the new kottivakkam ward. There is hope, for at least one ward :)

I appreciate his decision to contest for Councillor post, rather than for Mayor post like some attention seeking wannabe politician.

By becoming a councillor he can do some good for his area and speak up for the city in the Ripon building. Getting few thousand votes in the mayor election can only be used to bargain a MP seat from some big parties.

^^ Being the Director-Projects of CCC gives him better credentials than a restaurant proprietor.

^^ Being the Director-Projects of CCC gives him better credentials than a restaurant proprietor.

Yes!

Excellent stats Murali Sir . When they speak of green cover everyone thinks of the forest and huge machines felling them. Most dont understand that tree cover loss happens in their own back yard. Earlier trees were uprooted for agriculture land. Now trees are removed for housing plots, road widening, commercial buildings. Thousands of acreas around chennai has been cleared and filled with construction debris and topped with red sand for real estate . Once people buy the plot they are left to rot. It is barren and not even plants grows on these surface. This has lead to food scarcity and removal of green cover. Thousands of acres of govt land are barren. No govt dept has taken the initative to utilise them. If commercial forestry is implemented it will reduce the dependence of imported timber for fuel, paper etc. It will also reduce the need for fossil fuel. Large scale plantation will contribute for reduce emission, replacement for fossil fuel, increase employment and increase teh green cover.

In the next 10 years commercial agriculture will be taken up by big corporates and they will command the market. Everyone will have pay the price they are asking. Already many has started investing in organic farming. In the next 10 years many urban youth will take up agriculture as they will be more attractive than most industries.

^^ Being the Director-Projects of CCC gives him better credentials than a restaurant proprietor.
Its the attitude that matters more than your background. Raj has done his masters in nuclear physics, talk to him and you know clearly that he has a genuine plan to create change in an intelligent way. He could have easily been somewhere else if he wanted to.

I spent an amazing two days with him and his team. I wish i could be with him through the campaign, but i've had to get back to bangalore for my final college presentations. If any of you guys have friends living in kotivakkam, do spread the word. I'm sure the team could use volunteers as well in the coming week.
More details at http://rajcherubal.com/

Btw, i was going through the profile of the other candidates all over the city, and its just depressingly sad. Its no surprise the city is always in a mess, none of these councilors care for the city, they are all mouthless puppets backed by parties to loot ward funds :ohno:

Friends,
Sarathbabu is contesting for Chennai Mayor in "Desk" symbol

Its the attitude that matters more than your background. Raj has done his masters in nuclear physics, talk to him and you know clearly that he has a genuine plan to create change in an intelligent way. He could have easily been somewhere else if he wanted to.

I spent an amazing two days with him and his team. I wish i could be with him through the campaign, but i've had to get back to bangalore for my final college presentations. If any of you guys have friends living in kotivakkam, do spread the word. I'm sure the team could use volunteers as well in the coming week.
More details at http://rajcherubal.com/

Btw, i was going through the profile of the other candidates all over the city, and its just depressingly sad. Its no surprise the city is always in a mess, none of these councilors care for the city, they are all mouthless puppets backed by parties to loot ward funds :ohno:

Interesting. He moved back to India from the US. I am planning to do that as well, as soon as is possible financially and career-wise. Hope I can do something like this too.

Friends,
Sarathbabu is contesting for Chennai Mayor in "Desk" symbol

This guy is now contesting all elections . Earlier he contested for MLA and lost now Mayor. Next try MP from TN in 2014. Finally PM of India :lol:

This guy is now contesting all elections . Earlier he contested for MLA and lost now Mayor. Next try MP from TN in 2014. Finally PM of India :lol:
hm... He is really wanted to do something good..
To clean up the dirty political environment, we need to encourage good people..
you and me will shout against our counsilor? do we guts to speak anything against politicians on face? we wont.. because Veetukku Auto varum.....
So lets not discourage his efforts...

^^He has a good motive but his political path looks haywire or he is overambitious. He has very little experience for the post of mayor. So, its good to start at a lower level.

Is the ETA Star SEZ under construction or is it dropped?

I think it has been converted into a residential project, ETA Globevill Township

^^He has a good motive but his political path looks haywire or he is overambitious. He has very little experience for the post of mayor. So, its good to start at a lower level.
hm.. without experience, Azagiri became cabinet minister...
suddenly from nowhere, Kani mozhi became M.P..
suddenly from nowhere Rajiv Gandhi became PP.M(just because of he is born on Nehru family), From Nowhere, Dayanidhi Maran who was running a Pub, became M.P and Telecom Cabinet Minister...
Election-a win panname, Anbumani Ramadoss became Minister for Health...
list is endless..

So Sarath is much qualified than these useless(for people) politicians.... All these have Political Push, which sarath does not..

hm... He is really wanted to do something good..
To clean up the dirty political environment, we need to encourage good people..
you and me will shout against our counsilor? do we guts to speak anything against politicians on face? we wont.. because Veetukku Auto varum.....
So lets not discourage his efforts...

if he wants really to do some good thing for people. He should have joined DMK or ADMK (agree both are drainage)... he could implement his ideas through big political parties. Chances of independent candidate winning is very far !!

Our own PM is backdoor MP from Assam!

if he wants really to do some good thing for people. He should have joined DMK or ADMK (agree both are drainage)... he could implement his ideas through big political parties. Chances of independent candidate winning is very far !!

Capable people will become muffs if they join political parties.See what happened to Prime Minister.

hm... He is really wanted to do something good..
To clean up the dirty political environment, we need to encourage good people..
you and me will shout against our counsilor? do we guts to speak anything against politicians on face? we wont.. because Veetukku Auto varum.....
So lets not discourage his efforts...
Everything here is not bad for someone to jump in and correct it!

if he wants really to do some good thing for people. He should have joined DMK or ADMK (agree both are drainage)... he could implement his ideas through big political parties. Chances of independent candidate winning is very far !!

Remember he joined DMDK and left immediately when he was not promised a MLA ticket. He came out and said there was no ethics. LOL
What ethics he is talking about, did he expect the party to give him a MLA seat as well as money for the campaign.

Well.. It was expected!

I think even Mumbai will suffer once GIFT comes through. GIFT just gives u world class infra and hurdle-free bureaucracy.

Well.. It was expected!

I think even Mumbai will suffer once GIFT comes through. GIFT just gives u world class infra and hurdle-free bureaucracy.


Well, but i never thought it could be done at the cost of other cities. But even then I thought Chennai might be able to retain some sheen as they have got the "right kind" of work force.

Keeping my fingers crossed... Slowly Chennai & TN has started losing its market share in almost every thing (its just my opinion)......

Well.. It was expected!

I think even Mumbai will suffer once GIFT comes through. GIFT just gives u world class infra and hurdle-free bureaucracy.

No one will eat others cake!

GIFT is undoubtedly first kind of project in India, but that will not take away the share of other cities.. athum Mumbai share ellam chance illai..:)

For the country size of India, there should be atleast 4-5 financial centers! Chennai will gets it own share. But for GIFT is a added advantage because of the size of the project.

But GIFT is located so close to Mumbai and its main advantage is its proximity to Mumbai.
When GIFT is completed, sure there would be a high speed corridor connecting Mumbai and GIFT area and investors would prefer setting shop in GIFT rather than congested Mumbai city.

I am not saying Mumbai will cease to be the financial capital. Just that, it will face a very tough competition to get investments in financial sector from GIFT.

Chennai should wake up and smell the coffee.

We are quite strong in banking and financial sector and we must try to turn this to our advantage. I dunno whether the Chennai financial city project is even under consideration. Both the parties announced it coz it was fancy and there is no follow up.

No more Gujarat Puranam please

^^
Financial city in Chennai will remain a dream .Jaya is not known for being proactive and business freindly.She should learn from her good friend Mr.Modi.This friendship is costing the state dearly.

by the way folks i just wanted to share a few things i observed when i took a trip to Tuticorin.

Tuticorin and Tirunelveli cities are almost as costly as Chennai in terms of food and accommodation if not more. A double bed room with AC costs Rs.1250 in Tuticorin near old bus stand which is comparable to some small hotels in Chennai or even Delhi Pahar Ganj area hotels.

And an Auto rickshaw trip covering about 12 kms, they charge about Rs.150. Holy cow!!

How are people managing in those places with such high cost of living while the salary they take home are not matching Chennai standards?

Thuthukodi la saathukudi kooda vanga mudiyadhu pola irukku.

Thuthukodi la saathukudi kooda vanga mudiyadhu pola irukku.

Rhyming aa laam pesarengle CM saar :D

by the way folks i just wanted to share a few things i observed when i took a trip to Tuticorin.

Tuticorin and Tirunelveli cities are almost as costly as Chennai in terms of food and accommodation if not more. A double bed room with AC costs Rs.1250 in Tuticorin near old bus stand which is comparable to some small hotels in Chennai or even Delhi Pahar Ganj area hotels.

And an Auto rickshaw trip covering about 12 kms, they charge about Rs.150. Holy cow!!

How are people managing in those places with such high cost of living while the salary they take home are not matching Chennai standards?

Thuthukodi la saathukudi kooda vanga mudiyadhu pola irukku.

do you think only professionals in Chennai earn good salary? Most of the tier II cities in TN are driven by business people who earn more or equal to professionals in metropolitan cities.

b/w I agree with cost part. The middle class spending will be almost same in Chennai or other tier II cities in the the state.

Rhyming aa laam pesarengle CM saar :D

that dialogue will come in some movie. Vinod sar can tell us.:)

by the way folks i just wanted to share a few things i observed when i took a trip to Tuticorin.

Tuticorin and Tirunelveli cities are almost as costly as Chennai in terms of food and accommodation if not more. A double bed room with AC costs Rs.1250 in Tuticorin near old bus stand which is comparable to some small hotels in Chennai or even Delhi Pahar Ganj area hotels.

And an Auto rickshaw trip covering about 12 kms, they charge about Rs.150. Holy cow!!

How are people managing in those places with such high cost of living while the salary they take home are not matching Chennai standards?

Thuthukodi la saathukudi kooda vanga mudiyadhu pola irukku.

Vinod, one shouldn't estimate the cost of living by just looking if the city/town is metropolitan or not. It depends on the business activity there. As far as I know, there are lot of industries (mostly power plants - in construction) in and around Tuticorin, plus port, salt pans and Sterlite. There must be quite an amount of floating population there who will be earning decent salary - hence cost of living is high. I have seen some small towns in Maha/Orissa where are the cost of living / rent is almost at par with the metros - all because of the industries in those towns.

Mr. Vinod Gopal, to measure cost of living, use food, clothing and shelter - the basic necessities of life.

that dialogue will come in some movie. Vinod sar can tell us.:)

indha dialogue kooda movie la vandhurucha? sondhama oru sol kooda nimmadhiya vida mudiyala.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00803/TH09_HIGHSECPLATES__803502f.jpg

The State government has invited bids to design, manufacture and fix a new class of high security registration plates on all motor vehicles.

The number plates would have features such as a laser hologram and a non-removable/non-reusable snap lock to prevent counterfeiting and duplication.

All plates would also have a unique identification number.

INITIAL PERIOD

A senior Transport Department official said the HSRP scheme would be implemented on a Build,

Own and Operate (BOO) basis for an initial period of five years. The State has been divided into six regions in the tendering process. The Chennai zone having 14 Regional Transport Offices and five Unit Offices, where over 50 lakh vehicles have been registered, are expected to get priority attention.

It will be mandatory for all existing registered vehicles to replace the number plates with new HSRP variants within two years.

The official said crime prevention would get a boost once all vehicle registration plates start sporting the security features.

The scheme is designed to ensure uniformity in size, colour and specifications all over India, to all types of vehicles being registered/already registered.

While the proposal has been around since 1989, most States began to take steps towards implementation only after the Supreme Court issued contempt notices this year.

Embossing/fixing stations would come up within the premises of the RTOs and the unit offices.

The bid stipulates that the old number plates must be destroyed without causing any environmental risks.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2522948.ece

September is the month when foreign tourists begin to arrive in Tamil Nadu, with a significant increase seen almost everyday. But this year, hoteliers and tour operators are disappointed as they say there has been a decline of almost 30 per cent in the arrivals last month compared to last year. Experts cite the lack of professionally trained guides and increasing rates of lodging in good hotels as some of the reasons for this downtrend.

“There are very few repeat tourists to the city itself. For many years now, the city has just been a transit point for tourists going to Kancheepuram, Mamallapuram and Puducherry,” says P. Asoka, president, Tourist Guides Federation of India.

There are around 147 guides certified by the government of India, who are approved only after they undergo an intensive 16-week course. But many tourists are not aware of this and end up engaging unapproved guides. “Crash courses including those offered by the State government are just about a week long, and do not even require the candidate to be a graduate. Tourists should very importantly ask for approved guides only, he adds. And many tour operators cut costs by employing tourist guides who may not have been approved.

“Now that most foreign tourists come with all information downloaded from the internet, it is very difficult to please them. Approved guides are only in the city, and they have to be taken to other places which get expensive for tour operators, says K. Rajendran, a tour designer, who arranges trips for foreign tourists.

Focus on domestic tourists

Moreover, many tour operators are trying to concentrate completely on domestic tourists, which they say is increasing substantially. And this is also the season for short vacations in India, the numbers of which have increased like never before, says A.Diraviam of Parveen Travels.

According to the Tourism Department data, Tamil Nadu attracted the maximum number of foreign tourists in 2010, along with Delhi. Domestic and international tourist arrivals in Tamil Nadu witnessed a growth of nearly 23 per cent in March 2011, with the number of visitors crossing the 90 lakh mark compared to 75 lakh in 2010. According to the latest figures compiled by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), in March 2011, the number of arrivals of both domestic and foreign tourists was 92,98,959 compared to previous year's figure of 75,00,579.

“October no better”

But the month of October seems no better, says Veena Pratihar of GoHolidays. Chennai attracts the maximum number of tourists from France and Germany, but there are very few bookings with us.

Even the arrival of Italian and Spanish tourists has come down this year. “The group booking at this time used to be for 15-20 people, now it is about 8-10. It is still better than 2008, when we had none,” she says.

While lodging in three and five star hotels in Chennai has increased substantially, even cost of food and entertainment for foreign tourists is likely to have increased by at least 15 per cent this year.

“However, the bookings for January look promising. Foreign tourists are possibly waiting to see how the economic situation in Europe turns out to plan their holiday,” says Mr. Asoka.

The minimum cost of stay in five star hotels for a foreign tourist is about $ 450, while it is available for 1/3rd the rate in resorts on the outskirts, he adds.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2522362.ece

September is the month when foreign tourists begin to arrive in Tamil Nadu, with a significant increase seen almost everyday. But this year, hoteliers and tour operators are disappointed as they say there has been a decline of almost 30 per cent in the arrivals last month compared to last year. Experts cite the lack of professionally trained guides and increasing rates of lodging in good hotels as some of the reasons for this downtrend.

“There are very few repeat tourists to the city itself. For many years now, the city has just been a transit point for tourists going to Kancheepuram, Mamallapuram and Puducherry,” says P. Asoka, president, Tourist Guides Federation of India.

There are around 147 guides certified by the government of India, who are approved only after they undergo an intensive 16-week course. But many tourists are not aware of this and end up engaging unapproved guides. “Crash courses including those offered by the State government are just about a week long, and do not even require the candidate to be a graduate. Tourists should very importantly ask for approved guides only, he adds. And many tour operators cut costs by employing tourist guides who may not have been approved.

“Now that most foreign tourists come with all information downloaded from the internet, it is very difficult to please them. Approved guides are only in the city, and they have to be taken to other places which get expensive for tour operators, says K. Rajendran, a tour designer, who arranges trips for foreign tourists.

Focus on domestic tourists

Moreover, many tour operators are trying to concentrate completely on domestic tourists, which they say is increasing substantially. And this is also the season for short vacations in India, the numbers of which have increased like never before, says A.Diraviam of Parveen Travels.

According to the Tourism Department data, Tamil Nadu attracted the maximum number of foreign tourists in 2010, along with Delhi. Domestic and international tourist arrivals in Tamil Nadu witnessed a growth of nearly 23 per cent in March 2011, with the number of visitors crossing the 90 lakh mark compared to 75 lakh in 2010. According to the latest figures compiled by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), in March 2011, the number of arrivals of both domestic and foreign tourists was 92,98,959 compared to previous year's figure of 75,00,579.

“October no better”

But the month of October seems no better, says Veena Pratihar of GoHolidays. Chennai attracts the maximum number of tourists from France and Germany, but there are very few bookings with us.

Even the arrival of Italian and Spanish tourists has come down this year. “The group booking at this time used to be for 15-20 people, now it is about 8-10. It is still better than 2008, when we had none,” she says.

While lodging in three and five star hotels in Chennai has increased substantially, even cost of food and entertainment for foreign tourists is likely to have increased by at least 15 per cent this year.

“However, the bookings for January look promising. Foreign tourists are possibly waiting to see how the economic situation in Europe turns out to plan their holiday,” says Mr. Asoka.

The minimum cost of stay in five star hotels for a foreign tourist is about $ 450, while it is available for 1/3rd the rate in resorts on the outskirts, he adds.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2522362.ece

ofcourse what is there in Chennai city? some corrupted auto rickshaw walas and tasmac kudikaarans only.

neenga irukkingale sir!!

neenga irukkingale sir!!

naa irundhu enna seiyarathu? ennaku terinjathellem samayal kattu, appa, varudhukutti, Tiruppu, paati enna kettela?

"Chemozhi Poonga" in Cathedral Road is going back to Aviation Express owner...destroying a nice place for the Citizens.
What is the need? Why donate a Govt. Public property to a private citizen?

Puthiya Thalaimurai news.l

naa irundhu enna seiyarathu? ennaku terinjathellem samayal kattu, appa, varudhukutti, Tiruppu, paati enna kettela?

hahaha well played.

25 cameras installed in T.Nagar to prevent theft

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/940/21221968.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/21221968.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

"Chemozhi Poonga" in Cathedral Road is going back to Aviation Express owner...destroying a nice place for the Citizens.
What is the need? Why donate a Govt. Public property to a private citizen?

Puthiya Thalaimurai news.l

the land belongs to gvt or private owner? if the case is int he court how come they built poonga there. And if SC has ordered the land belongs to tn gvt how come the land can be taken away from gvt by a ordinary oppicer?

And other news says the poonga land indeed belongs to gvt only the land adjacent to is disputed. Hope you can clear your claim now "destroying the chemozhi poonga":)

"Chemozhi Poonga" in Cathedral Road is going back to Aviation Express owner...destroying a nice place for the Citizens.
What is the need? Why donate a Govt. Public property to a private citizen?

Puthiya Thalaimurai news.l

damn. last time when I went(in April), the park was really beautiful and they were maintaining it very well and lot of people were visiting. It was really a very nice park.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=76981171&postcount=8829

On Semmozhi Poonga.. Seems its the land for expansion.

AIADMK parted with prime government land: MK

CHENNAI: DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Sunday accused the government of giving away a land property in a prime location in the city to a horticultural society. Writing for party organ Murasoli, Karunanidhi traced a long history of how the successive DMK regimes had tried to take back the government land for public purpose used by the Agri-Horticultural Society on Cathedral Road close to the Anna flyover junction.

In 1989, when the government wanted to take the land, V Krishnamurthy, honorary secretary of the society, went to the High Court. However, his plea was dismissed. Soon, a Government Order was issued on August 5, 1989. The society challenged the action.

When the society’s plea was still pending, the AIADMK assumed power in 1991. Till 1996 no effort was made on the issue by the government. On June 19, 1998, the court stayed the take over order. The government preferred an appeal. On August 20, 1998, the court ordered status quo. In 2004, the AIADMK regime, however, withdrew the appeal. Though a GO was issued on March 3, 2006 placing the State land at the disposal of the society, it could not be implemented as the model code was promulgated for polls.

When the DMK was voted back to power in 1996, it pursued the issue again. An appeal was filed in the High Court yet again. On April 11, 2008, the HC set aside a 1998 judgment staying the land take over. Subsequently, the society went to the Supreme Court.

On November 13, 2009, it said that the government could use the land for the development of horticulture. The district collector took over the land from the society. In the first phase, Semmozhi Poonga was set up where Woodlands Drive-In stood (a sub-lessee of the society) before. To expand the park, a notice was sent on December 15, 2010 to the society to vacate the premises located opposite the Poonga. Again, Krishnamurthy went to the HC. It asked the government to give him an opportunity of being heard. But, he did not show up for the hearing� before and after the 2011 polls.

After the AIADMK assumed power, he turned up before the district collector and submitted certain documents. “Succumbing to political influence, the collector ordered on August 22 that the land belonged to the society. The land records for the past 100 years testified that the land is owned by the State. In the court battles, it was never said that the land belonged to the society. The AIADMK has given it on a platter to Krishnamurthy. Only these people claim that they will be giving a graft-free administration,” Karunanidhi said sarcastically.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/aiadmk-parted-with-prime-government-land-mk/191598-60-118.html)

^^

yes that is why I have mentioned it as adjacent land. But Leo has hyped as if the poonga was going to be destroyed!

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00803/TH09_HIGHSECPLATES__803502f.jpg

The State government has invited bids to design, manufacture and fix a new class of high security registration plates on all motor vehicles.

The number plates would have features such as a laser hologram and a non-removable/non-reusable snap lock to prevent counterfeiting and duplication.

All plates would also have a unique identification number.

INITIAL PERIOD

A senior Transport Department official said the HSRP scheme would be implemented on a Build,

Own and Operate (BOO) basis for an initial period of five years. The State has been divided into six regions in the tendering process. The Chennai zone having 14 Regional Transport Offices and five Unit Offices, where over 50 lakh vehicles have been registered, are expected to get priority attention.

It will be mandatory for all existing registered vehicles to replace the number plates with new HSRP variants within two years.

The official said crime prevention would get a boost once all vehicle registration plates start sporting the security features.

The scheme is designed to ensure uniformity in size, colour and specifications all over India, to all types of vehicles being registered/already registered.

While the proposal has been around since 1989, most States began to take steps towards implementation only after the Supreme Court issued contempt notices this year.

Embossing/fixing stations would come up within the premises of the RTOs and the unit offices.

The bid stipulates that the old number plates must be destroyed without causing any environmental risks.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2522948.ece
What happens if someone bumps my car from behind and the number plate is broken, can't I place another? :dunno:

25 cameras installed in T.Nagar to prevent theft

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/940/21221968.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/21221968.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Public: Hello 100ngla?
Police: Amam
Public: T-nagar la marubdiyum thiruttu sir.
Police: Apdiya, enga? epo? ena thiruttu pochu?
Public: Nenga thirutta thavirka vechrunda 25 camerala 12kanum sir...
Police: ................................Ena koduma sir idhu!

T-Nagar la thiruta ozhika mudiyadu, Police ke aapu veipor sangam.

Kannan Sir, Can we have Chennai Discussions Thread III and close this please? This thread becomes very heavy to load on mobiles. Same for Chennai Projects thread as well.

"Chemozhi Poonga" in Cathedral Road is going back to Aviation Express owner...destroying a nice place for the Citizens.
What is the need? Why donate a Govt. Public property to a private citizen?

Puthiya Thalaimurai news.l

I think that what MK refers is not Chemmozhi Poonga land but the land opposite to it - adjacent to Church property. The land touches Lloyds road on the other side.

My grand parents/ uncles' families have been living in Cathedral Road for last 70 - 80 years and the woodlands land (Chemmozhi poonga) and the land opp are both referred as Horticultural Society Land only all these years. Woodlands leased it and the lease got over. We used to get plants for our gardens from there all these years.

TN Govt thro Corporation snatched the land from the society and built Chemmozhi poonga (one govt dept snatching from another) and tried to do the same for the opp land also. They even contemplated building a bungalow for one of the first family members there. But CSI bishop advised against.

The present Govt has to monitor Horticultural society so that the land is not misused for any other purpose than what was intended.

I am happy to know that the Poonga will remain. Horticulture society as you mentioned is under one Krishnamoorthy, owner of Aviation Express and is a friend of JJ.

There was a case in the Supreme Court by TN Govt, and Court ruled in favour of TN Govt on ownership and they created the Poonga.

There were plans to develop the place opposite to this also and link with a subway .

I guess there is a mischief to restore that land to a pvt person.

No probs with this guy using the land. Let him pay the corpn 5 crores/year as lease. I am sure he pays a few thousands as pittance now.

Pl do not go only by newapaper reports. The TN Govt allotted land to Horticultural society and they in turn lease the portion to Woodlands Drive In with a clear condition that no new structures will be allowed and garden will be maintained. Woodlands complied but failed on the labor front. That became a ruse for TN Govt to claim back the land citing that they want the land for a better purpose.

(this is similar to TN govt allotting TN Salt Corpn lands to Maritime academy)

Both parties are known for their mischiefs.

The land has to be maintained as Garden only and nothing else should be allowed.

TN Govt thro Corporation snatched the land from the society and built Chemmozhi poonga (one govt dept snatching from another) and tried to do the same for the opp land also.


Are you saying that the Horticulture dept belongs to Tamil Nadu Govt and this this Krishnamoorthy is a Govt Employee that takes care of it?


They even contemplated building a bungalow for one of the first family members there. But CSI bishop advised against.

Any source for this information?



The present Govt has to monitor Horticultural society so that the land is not misused for any other purpose than what was intended.


How about just extending the Poonga to the other side, is the current CM incapable of doing that?

Collector refutes MK’s charge, says property on Cathedral Rd not govt’s

Chennai: In the run-up to the local body polls, the AIADMK government is faced with defending itself in an alleged multicrore land scam centred around a 6.36-acre plot worth over Rs 400 crore on Cathedral Road.

DMK president M Karunanidhi charged on Sunday that the land belonged to the state government and that Chennai collector (in-charge K A Annamalai) had surrendered the ownership rights to the Agri-Horticultural Society in August this year owing to extraneous political considerations. The prime property is located opposite the Semmozhi Poonga, a 20-acre botanical garden inaugurated in November 2010.

Reacting to the charges that he had surrendered prime property to a society, district revenue officer and collector incharge K A Annamalai told TOI his decision to hand over the land was taken after thorough scrutiny of all relevant documents.

He said, “Since the high court had asked the collector in March 2011 to pass orders on the ownership rights of the property, the previous collector held two meetings with the secretary of the society (V Krishnamurthy). After I took charge, he met me on June 17 and July 15. This society is more than 150 years old. During the inquiry, it came to light that the British government had given a large area on lease to the society in the early 19th century. (One of the primary activities of the society is running a nursery of ornamental plants.) The society generated some income from the leased land and purchased another 6.36 acres from a private party way back in 1857. It is this 6.36 acres that I have adjudged as society’s land. The government has no ownership rights over it.”

He said that in 1989 the government tried to take back the leased land from the society. He said, “In 1989, the government passed an order (no. 1259 of the revenue department) cancelling the lease of the balance area. While about 6.8 acres of this lease land abuts the 6.36 acres owned by the society, the balance 20 acres (Semmozhi Poonga) is on the opposite side of Cathedral Road. Even in the 1989 GO, there is no reference to the 6.36 acres in the custody of the society. That makes it clear that it does not belong to the government. The government could take physical possession of the leased property only after a series of legal battles two years ago.”

The former collector of Chennai issued a notice to the society in December 2010, asking it to vacate the 6.36-acre land claiming that it belonged to the government. The society challenged it in court and got a stay. The court’s March 2011 directive to the collector was a follow-up to that, said Annamalai. He added that before passing orders on the ownership rights, he had taken the government pleader’s opinion as well.

TOI (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/10/11&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00501&ViewMode=HTML)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(this is similar to TN govt allotting TN Salt Corpn lands to Maritime academy)

Both parties are known for their mischiefs.
. . . . . . . . . . .

The salt pans in Semencheri were closed and the land abandoned by the salt department at the beginning of last century. These unclaimed lands became grazing lands and recorded in Revenue Records. Lands became a state subject and all lands not used by Central Govt vested in the State Government. After a century of disuse, these lands did not have salinity. The water there was potable and their are many residential areas in parts of these lands.

When the Salt Dept claimed them in 2006, not for their use, but to pass onto other Central Govt. departments, the collector reported that there were no records to show the ownership of these lands by Salt Department. The records only showed their licensing control by salt department and not ownership. Yet the state government went ahead against the facts reported by the collector and changed revenue records infavour of Salt Department. The State Govt's interests were just not cared for.

Now the land meant for IT Park is given to “powerfuls” (probably with no exposure to salt pan operations) to setup Salt pans spoiling the potable ground water in the area.

By the way why can not new salt pans in residential areas be banned. The English had their aim only on the revenue and so indiscriminately licensed salt pans. Why should our own government, supposed to take care of us, follow that policy?

@ Cathedral Road Horticultural Society Land:

I was under the impression that the Society is a Govt body. But on checking, i came to know that it is a society not supported by Govt. The Woodlands land (Chemmozhi Poonga) were allotted to them by British and they bought the opp land next to CSI from the income of the leased property.

The first family was given land for their furniture shop on TTK road by the Diocese (De Monte Colony - TTK road side) so that they do not interfere much into Church matters.

@ Salt Corporation:

Karoopan - Long time No posting.

I am not aware of the earlier happening wrt Salt Corp.

@ Cathedral Road Horticultural Society Land:

@ Salt Corporation:

Karoopan - Long time No posting. .

Thank you & regards. Just some thing else kept me preoccupied.

Unauthorised/Illegal Constructions in Chennai Metro Area

To-day (12-Oct-2011) the cases relating to unauthorised constructions are coming up in the High Court. The CMDA, Local Authorities, etc., may report on the status and action taken by them.

A pollution-free ride, anyone?

CHENNAI: Deciding on the mode of transport to travel short distances, say a kilometre or so, can sometimes leave one perplexed. You can either choose to walk the way or cough up a few coins or rupees for a rickshaw drive. But what if you got to travel free to reach such destinations, and your chosen mode of transport caused no damage whatsoever to the ecosystem?

Tirupur-born Sivaraj, a young entrepreneur, has had this vision for three years and with a little bit of luck, Chennaiites may get to enjoy this eco-ride, let’s not forget, completely free of cost.

�An ‘Eco Free Cab’, which will run on solar, electrical and mechanical energy, is set to hit the town in the next few months, if things work according to plan.

�This Eco Free cab will be used to ferry passengers between two close destination points such as Rountana to Anna Arch, Madhya Kailash to Tidel Park and so on.

“The eco free cabs will have two batteries that will absorb solar and electrical energy. They will operate primarily on these two,” says Sivaraj, who also happens to be its inventor.

“It has a pedal that, if used, will in return generate more energy to the batteries, for the cabs to operate,” he explains.

Sivaraj’s Eco Free cabs are already plying at Dublin in Ireland, Canada and China. “I’m in touch with advertisers in Chennai to use these cabs to promote their products. The revenue I earn from them will be used to ply the vehicles free and pay the salaries of the drivers,” says this 26-year-old MBA graduate from the UK.

But what about him losing his branding on the vehicles? “Well, it will instead give another identity to the cabs and encourage people to use them more,” he says. “Apart from the ones that will ply for free, I plan to produce them for sales as well, once all the formalities are completed within the next few months.”

These Eco Free cabs are a modified version of the cycle rickshaws and have a three + one seater. They can hit a maximum speed of 45km/hr.

“Considering Chennai’s traffic woes, I doubt if any diesel or petrol-run vehicle can move faster than that,” Sivaraj laughs. “But what is important to note is that these cabs will run without using any pollution-causing fuels,” he emphasises.

Explaining the reason for coming up with such an unique vehicle, Sivaraj says, “I always had the entrepreneurship skills in me, considering my family is into business. As petrol and diesel are precious commodities, and ones that will not� last forever, I came up with this idea of creating an eco-friendly vehicle. I bought a cyclerickshaw and redesigned it myself. I named it Eco Free Cabs, an eco-friendly cab with a free service.”


Source (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/a-pollutionfree-ride-anyone/192227-60-120.html)

^^ Good one. If he can do more to reduce the breadth of the vehicle it would be even great, i.e. instead of 3+1 like auto rickshaw, he can try 2+2(driver +1) or +1 (separate for driver) , having some extra length. This becomes slim and sleek.

A Steaming Success

http://cms.outlookindia.com/images/articles/outlookbusiness/2011/10/15/s_manoharan_20111015.jpg
Even as a child it was my dream to run the shop, but my family felt the physical labour was not suited to educated people. —S Manoharan, Owner, Murugan Idli Kadai

It started as small pavement shop in Madurai. Now Murugan Idli has become a destination for South Indian fast food in Tamil Nadu and abroad.

If his parents had their way, S Manoharan would never have set foot inside a kitchen. “They wanted me to join a bank or become a professor,” laughs the 52-year-old proprietor of Murugan Idli Kadai. Instead, Manoharan tucked away his law degree to take over the reins at the small coffee shop run by his parents in Madurai—and transformed it into a fast food chain that has branches in Madurai, Chennai and even Singapore, clocked revenues of Rs 25 crore last year and is now eyeing markets in North and West of India.

Every day, Murugan Idli Kadai churns out 25,000 idlis at its 13 outlets in Tamil Nadu (one in Singapore). At any time of day or night, there’s likely to be a queue waiting to be seated—waiting half an hour to 45 minutes at peak times is commonplace. And while most patrons ask almost automatically for Murugan’s trademark supersoft idlis and variety of chutneys, the menu has expanded to offer other traditional South Indian snacks. Not a mean feat for an eatery that started as a pavement stall.

The Inception

The foundations of Murugan Idli lie in a roadside shop that Manoharan’s mother set up in the 1960s as a way to supplement the family income. The stall was nothing fancy, Manoharan recalls. “My mother sold only idlis with two kinds of chutneys and no sambhar.” But even the limited menu proved to be a big hit—Manoharan remembers then Chief Minister K Kamaraj driving past and, on seeing the crowd gathered there, stopped to eat idlis. By the 1970s, the stall had expanded into a small, permanent shop named Murugan Coffee Nilayam after the family deity, but the menu remained unchanged.

Manoharan came on board in 1993, after completing his education and against the wishes of his family. “Even as a child it was my dream to run the shop, but my parents and my siblings felt the physical labour involved was not suited to educated people. But I was adamant,” he says. Once he took over, he added more seating capacity and modernised the interiors. The store was rechristened Murugan Idli Kadai and the menu expanded beyond idlis to include other “tiffin items” such as chakkarai pongal, dosas, vadas, more chutneys and sambhar.

Murugan’s USP is that it doesn’t adhere to just traditional South Indian fare but also innovates to include inventions like the Jigarthanda.

Within two years, Manoharan had opened two more branches in Madurai and in a span of 10 years, with an annual turnover of Rs 30 lakh, was looking beyond the temple city to Chennai. After two months of “market research”—which involved checking out the eateries across Chennai and sampling their menus—Manoharan opened the first city’s first Murugan Idli Kadai at T Nagar, a bustling shopping area. There was some initial doubt about the name—kadai is Tamil for shop and Manoharan’s friends worried that it sounded “too downmarket”—but customers ate it up. Six months later Murugan Idli had to open a second kadai in T Nagar to cope with the demand and the pace of expansion has kept up since then—there are now 10 Murugan Idli Kadais across Chennai and Manoharan is convinced there is room for 20 more.

Meanwhile, he’s not hesitated to venture outside India. In 2008, Murugan Idli Kadai opened a branch in Singapore, strategically located in Little India, opposite department store Mustafa’s. The sizeable Tamil and Indian expat population in Singapore ensured the eatery’s success. “There was a queue outside on the day we opened,” Manoharan says with pride.

The USP

What makes Murugan Idli successful in a region that’s stuffed to the gills with South Indian restaurants? Manoharan believes the quality of the food and the traditional service at Murugan Idli is the differentiator. While restaurants are managed independently, food is cooked in a central kitchen to ensure standardisation and maintain quality. All food is served on banana leaves and waiters offer you unlimited quantities of chutney and sambhar, “just the way your mother serves you at home,” he adds.

Importantly, the chain has also stuck to what it does best—traditional South Indian snacks. In contrast, local rivals like Saravana Bhavan and Apoorva Sangeetha have book-sized menus that include North Indian and Chinese dishes and even pizzas and burgers—of course, that variety has also been responsible for the faster growth and higher revenues of these chains. Says a Chennai-based market research professional, “Murugan Idli Kadai has not fallen into the trap of serving everything from Chinese to chaat, maintaining its standard and quality.”

Since a lot rides on the quality of the eponymous idlis, the proportion of rice and dal in the batter is kept secret. So is the special brew of “degree coffee” served at the restaurant. The menu has been developed entirely by Manoharan, based on his mother’s recipes—“I have added one or two innovations that make them unique,” he says, adding that competitors have tried to copy the recipes, unsuccessfully.

Murugan’s USP perhaps is that here, traditional South Indian doesn’t mean just idli-dosa-vada combination. Jigarthanda and onion uttapam are house specialities that are unique to Murugan Idli. Since the shallots for the uttapam have to be painstakingly peeled by hand, Murugan has about 20 employees in Madurai who do this task exclusively for the central kitchen in Chennai. Jigarthanda, too, is a Madurai speciality that Manoharan has tweaked; roughly translating as “liver cooling”, the drink—somewhat similar to Mumbai’s falooda and Southeast Asia’s bubble tea—is said to have been invented by the Muslim rulers of the region. “You can’t get this anywhere else in Chennai,” he claims.

Spread Out

And now Manoharan is eyeing the rest of the country. In the next year, Murugan Idli will open a branch each in Delhi and Mumbai with ambitious plans of opening 300 branches across India in 10 years. The choice of location will depend on its proximity to shopping areas and the Delhi branch is most likely to be in the heart of the city, at Connaught Place. Akther Ghori, CEO of Chennai-based brand management and marketing consultancy Rosette Consulting, believes that’s a sound strategy. “South Indian food is popular in the North and there is a sizeable population of South Indians in Mumbai and Delhi. That should work to Murugan Idli’s advantage,” she adds, pointing to the success of the Singapore outlet as proof.

Manoharan is clear expansions will be only through the ownership route, worrying that the current stringent levels of quality control may be compromised in the franchise route. On an average, it costs Rs 50 lakh to set up a new branch and about two years to break even. On the anvil are plans to incorporate Murugan Idli as a private limited company and float an IPO some time in the future.

That will help finance some of Manoharan’s other plans to leverage the popularity of the Murugan Idli Kadai brand—a foray into the packaged foods business. “Our idlis are so popular that we are constantly barraged with requests for our idli podi (dal-and-spices powder accompaniment) and idli batter,” he says. As a pilot, the idli podi is being sold in the restaurants under the Murugan Idli Kadai brand, with plans to launch more products. At a later date, the products may find their way to supermarket shelves too. “As a brand, Murugan Idli Kadai commands a great degree of popularity in South India. Selling packaged idli batter etc, should be a success because it is a logical extension of their core competence,” says Rosette’s Ghori.

So far Murugan Idli Kadai has spent little or nothing on advertising. That will have to change once it enters the highly competitive packaged foods business. Perhaps that will also help in establishing Murugan Idli’s unique identity—Manoharan is already fighting out a couple of cases of copyright infringement. Still, these are minor irritants in a future that’s looking fruitful and abundant. And unlike his parents, Manoharan is looking forward to sharing it with his son.

Source (http://business.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?278590)

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2533674.ece

Guideline values in Chennai and its suburbs are set to change significantly. Going by the revision proposed by the State government, which will be put up for public comments from October 14, values will increase by two to four fold at many places within the city and by about five to six fold in the suburbs.

Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai will be the most expensive real estate in the city with a guideline value of Rs.27,000 per square feet.

The existing guideline value is Rs.19,675. In other words, registration of a plot measuring one ground (2400 square foot) here has to be registered for a minimum value of about Rs.6.4 crore.

Property on Anna Salai and Usman Road will be the next most expensive, with a proposed guideline value of Rs.25,000 and Rs.20,000 respectively.

“It is not surprising that the Boat Club Road does not figure on top of the list even though properties there are the most priced possession. Not many plots change hands in Boat Club area and hence transaction values do not show steep increase,” said officials familiar with the land registration process.

The guideline value in about 10 areas within the city such as Anna Nagar and Purasawalkam would not be increased since there was a revision in those areas only in January 2011.

In suburbs

The value of properties in the suburbs particularly along the major roads has been substantially increased. For instance, the existing guideline value in Tiruporur along the Rajiv Gandhi Salai is about Rs.400 per square foot, and it is now proposed to be revised to Rs.3,000 per square foot. Similarly the guideline value in Guduvancheri is proposed to be revised from Rs.550 to Rs.4,000 per square foot.

Guideline value is the mandatory minimum value for which a property has to be registered.

The registration costs, which include eight per cent stamp duty and one per cent registration fee, are based on the guideline value. Hence, any revision in the values would imply increase in the registration costs.

Revenue

Last year, Chennai alone contributed half of the Rs.5,000 crore revenue collected through registration of documents in the State.

“It is four years since the guideline value was revised. During this time, the market value of property has increased phenomenally and the guideline value never captured this increase. The proposed revision is an attempt to get closer to the market value. After a year-long study of property transactions, field survey and professional consultations we have proposed the revision,” said the government officials.

The proposed revised guideline value will be open for public comments and objections from October 14 at the respective sub-registrars' offices.

After reviewing public opinion, the guideline value would be fine-tuned and republished again for comments after a month.

By the end of next month, the values would be finalised and uploaded on the Registration Department's website.

This is very high......if thiruporur is increasing like this ,then the entire stretch of OMR till thiruporur will see manifold increase......

In suburbs

The value of properties in the suburbs particularly along the major roads has been substantially increased. For instance, the existing guideline value in Tiruporur along the Rajiv Gandhi Salai is about Rs.400 per square foot, and it is now proposed to be revised to Rs.3,000 per square foot. Similarly the guideline value in Guduvancheri is proposed to be revised from Rs.550 to Rs.4,000 per square foot.

This seems to be too too high. :eek:

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/10/13/4/Img/Pc0041300.jpg

FLIP FLOP: Political rivalry is serious business in Tamil Nadu. Semmozhi Poonga, a lush park on Cathedral Road conceived by former chief minister M Karunanidhi, is the latest victim. Artificial green creepers have suddenly appeared, covering the entrance arch on which the park’s name was etched on granite. A stone slab bearing the park’s name has disappeared too

TOI (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/10/13&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Pc00413&ViewMode=HTML)

Before

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3154/dsc01693m.jpg

:wallbash::wallbash:

Why aren’t illegal buildings razed: HC

CHENNAI: Coming down heavily on city civic authorities for their failure to raze even a single unauthorized building in recent times, the Madras high court has asked why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against the top brass of CMDA, corporation, Metrowater and TNEB.

The first bench comprising Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam, directing the authorities to file individual sworn affidavit by November 1, said: "The status report filed today, in our view, is nothing but an eyewash.

We, therefore, direct the vice-chairman of the CMDA, commissioner of Chennai Corporation, managing director of Metrowater and the TNEB chairman to file separate affidavits, personally sworn to by them informing this court as to whether they have complied with the directions (of the court), and also as to why proceedings for contempt be not initiated against them for noncompliance of the directions." Describing as unfortunate the non-compliance of court orders, the judges said that more than 100 unauthorised buildings were in existence in T Nagar area alone, and not a single building has been razed to the ground. Similarly, in other places (in the city), more than 1,000 buildings constructed without permission are still in standing. Pointing out that the government had lost its appeal in the Supreme Court, the judges said that as on date the govern-Constituting a six-member monitoring committee, the bench had mandated it to take up the multi-storied commercial complexes and take steps for their demolitions.

The court had also directed the committee to impose heavy penalties on professional builders of illegal multi-storied and special buildings in the city. The bench asked the committee to identify the delinquent officials of CMDA and Chennai Corporation responsible for the failure to enforce planning laws, and take steps for their prosecution.

Though such elaborate procedures had been laid down by the 2006 order, and were reiterated by the August 2011 order, the status report submitted by the authorities on Wednesday revealed nothing. ment had no option but to strictly comply with the directions of the high court. On August 12 this year, the bench directed the authorities to file a status report explaining the steps taken by them to demolish unauthorized constructions. Granting two months for the authorities, the judges had said that the authorities must take action on the suggestions made by the court-appointed monitoring committee. The monitoring committee came into existence as per a division bench order in 2006. Slamming the rampant violations of norms governing floor space index, open space reservation and coastal regulatory zone, and their ecological repercussions, the bench had issued a set of specific directions to rein in the menace.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Why-arent-illegal-buildings-razed-HC/articleshow/10335380.cms)

Share autos are badly needed

CHENNAI: For those living on the city's fringes, daily commute is a cumbersome, costly affair. Public transport solutions are far and few between and it is the proverbial autorickshaw that rules the roost.

"People in the city are blessed with the Metro Rail. Are the people living outside city limits cursed?" asks Muthuvel, a long-time resident of Tambaram, understandably angry at the travails of daily travel in the suburbs.

Days of suffering due to inappropriate transport is still a hot topic in the local body election in fringe areas like Madambakkam, Selaiyur and Sembakkam. Autorickshaws are the only option available to the people here, claims K Balu, president of SKGM Welfare Association.

With frequent hikes in fuel prices, even autos are not a viable transport for the ‘aam admi’. Residents of Madambakkam and other neighbourhoods are ready to pay twice the MTC ticket price for share autos to reach Camp Road or Rajakilpakkam junction, says Colonel Sundar, a retired Armyman.

Long ago, steps were taken to approve share autos to ply in the area during peak hours to ease the congestion in buses. Following stiff opposition by auto drivers in the local stand, the plans didn’t work, he said.

"Unlike in the city, the nearest bus route in the suburbs is at least a kilometre away from residential localities and we totally depend on public transport," says Narayanan, a senior citizen. Notwithstanding the price rise and the currency devaluation, people in the suburbs would not think twice before shelling out Rs 15 to reach Camp Road from Vengaivasal or Madambakkam, all for a smoother ride, he says.� Similar issues exist in parts of Chitlapakkam and Gowriwakkam areas too where an auto driver demands at least Rs 50 to cover a distance of two kilometres from Hanuman Temple off the Chitlapakkam Main Road to Camp Road.

The argument from the other side too appears to hold some water.� Autorickshaw drivers want fares to be based on the distance, road conditions (often appalling in suburbs) and fuel price. "Driving an auto in the suburban road conditions is a tough task, the repair bills keep rising every week," says Kumaran, an auto driver in the locality.

However, the residential associations in the locality blame the auto drivers for the hostile situation when it comes to share auto business, claims Sridhar. Most auto drivers are busy during the peak hours in mornings and evenings with school pickups as they get a good chunk of money. People find hardly any auto at the stands in the mornings, compelling them to depend on private vehicles, he says.

According to Jagannathan of Eastend Residents' Welfare Association, share autos provide the crucial missing link of last mile connectivity in remote locations. "It became an instant hit among commuters in the city, so why not wave the magic wand in suburbs as well," he asks.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/share-autos-are--badly-needed/192555-60-120.html)

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/10/13/4/Img/Pc0041300.jpg

FLIP FLOP: Political rivalry is serious business in Tamil Nadu. Semmozhi Poonga, a lush park on Cathedral Road conceived by former chief minister M Karunanidhi, is the latest victim. Artificial green creepers have suddenly appeared, covering the entrance arch on which the park’s name was etched on granite. A stone slab bearing the park’s name has disappeared too

TOI (http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2011/10/13&PageLabel=4&EntityId=Pc00413&ViewMode=HTML)

Before

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3154/dsc01693m.jpg

:wallbash::wallbash:

Reason is simple...That Semmozhi Poonga written in Tamil is incidentally the handwriting of MK. Athu MK's touch...Ithu JJ's touch

Why aren’t illegal buildings razed: HC

CHENNAI: Coming down heavily on city civic authorities for their failure to raze even a single unauthorized building in recent times, the Madras high court has asked why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against the top brass of CMDA, corporation, Metrowater and TNEB.

The first bench comprising Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam, directing the authorities to file individual sworn affidavit by November 1, said: "The status report filed today, in our view, is nothing but an eyewash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Why-arent-illegal-buildings-razed-HC/articleshow/10335380.cms)

Another Adarsh in the making? - Unauthorised/illegal constructions by Indian Maritime University, Chennai

Indian Maritime University, Chennai and CPWD are puttingup massive unauthorised/illegal constructions without any approval - you name any approval, they don't have it - Environment Clearance, CMDA Planning Permit, CRZ Clearance, Ground Water Clearance, etc., none of these they have.

They also just seem not to care for the Stop Work Notice issued and continue their construction work without any regard or respect for any law.

Those who are supposed to set an example for law abiding are now the wilful violators.

http://i.imgur.com/akzSs.jpg

Nice find bono!

Wonder what those 2 companies are!

This report is essentially flawed since it does not contain a particular city.

- Idhu naa sollala. Periyavanga sollirukaanga.

^^ I think you are talking about Osaka. Yeah, its hugely surprising that European companies are not interested there. Could be due to the recent earthquake and Japans graying population.

Compare shanghai and delhi..

Both were on the same number in 2010 and the next year, delhi pales in comparison.

Gotta blame this UPA govt for their policy paralysis which is affecting investor sentiments. :bash:

^^ I think you are talking about Osaka. Yeah, its hugely surprising that European companies are not interested there. Could be due to the recent earthquake and Japans graying population.

Thanks Bono for tackling Indian Sun's wicked googly. :lol:

As lakhs of voters choose their Mayor in a week from now, the demand for better urban governance in Chennai comes to the fore. With the suburbs eager to see better infrastructure after the elections, residents gear up for the local body polls.




http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_CHENNAI_RAIN__806287g.jpg
It is a nightmarish experience to drive on Arcot Road at Valasaravakkam after a rain spell. Vehicles get stuck in slush as almost all lanes and by-lanes in the city suburb is filled with pits more than one-foot deep. Photo: S.S.Kumar




http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_METRO_WATER_2_806288g.jpg
Vehicles are stranded due to traffic congestion between Jai Garden and Lakshmi Nagar, at Valasaravakkam. No efforts have been taken to fill the open gaps and protruding manhole covers that compound the problem. Photo: M. Karunakaran




http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK__806289g.jpg
There is no end to dumping of garbage on the banks of Adyar River by the Tiruneermalai Town Panchayat. The level of neglect in Adyar is very high and among many, waste disposal, sanitation and hygiene seem the most recurrent concerns of the residents. Photo: A.Muralitharan.





http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_ALANDUR_806290g.jpg
Garbage is dumped at the yard belonging to Pallavaram Cantonment Board. There are several hundred houses coming under a few localities of Alandur Municipality surrounding the yard, and residents complain that smoke from the burning garbage causes irritation and a major source of inconvenience. Photo: A. Muralitharan.





http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_AMBATTUR_GNT__806291g.jpg
Residents of Zone III complain of constant traffic congestion on GNT road near Moolakkadai Junction. Mobilising manpower will be a challenge for the new administration. Many roads including those leading out of Madhavaram are cut and not relaid leading to traffic slowing down. Residents feel that construction of the flyover at Moolakadai will help traffic flow only at that junction. Photo: V. Ganesan





http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_BRIDGE_STRENG_806292g.jpg
A view of the Kodambakkam bridge, which is under renovation by Chennai Corporation. While the interior areas remain thickly populated residential localities, main roads such as Arcot Road, Usman Road and Thiyagaraya Road with ever-increasing commercial structures have changed the profile of the zone. Although the zone has received much attention in the last five years in terms of infrastructure, the changes have not done much for the residential community or for business establishments in terms of decongesting traffic in the area. Photo: S.S.Kumar






http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK__SEWAGE_WATE_806293g.jpg
The Sewage water staganating opposite Chennai Corporation Zone 7, Ward 108, at Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam on Thursday. However residents on that stretch lists more number of problems: non-functioning streetlights, overflowing garbage, rainwater stagnation, poor regulation of shops near the Kodambakkam railway station, lack of MTC bus connectivity and poor policing near Meenakshi College for Women on Arcot Road. Photo:R. Shivaji Rao





http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_GARBAGE_INNER_806294g.jpg
With garbage being dumped on the side of the road, the EMRIP Project is being delayed as NHAI is unable to remove the garbage at Inner Ring Road in the stretch from Madhavaram to Manali on Monday. Water bodies including the Manali Mathur eri and Chinna Sekkaadu eri are getting polluted as garbage and sewage from neighbouring areas are being dumped there. Pollution caused by industries have spoilt the health of the residents over the years. Many households are forced to buy watercans as ground water is polluted. Photo: V. Ganesan.






http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_INDIAN_BANK_C_806295g.jpg
A view of Indian Bank Colony III Main Road in Menambedu, Ambattur is posing to be health hazard and danger for the residents and motorists. The main grouse of the voters is that the underground drainage project, which was announced over a decade ago and started in 2004, is yet to be completed.




http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_MINT_STREET_806296g.jpg
A view of the congested Mint Street in Sowcarpet, which is the nucleus of the business hub of Chennai. Traffic congestion in this area has been getting worse. Conservancy operations in this area have deteriorated in the past few weeks. Photo: R. Ragu




http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_MUD_ROAD_2_806297g.jpg
Mud Road at Ramappa Nagar, Perungudi, OMR. Several roads have become inaccessible because of the damage caused to the road. The execution of the sewage pipeline work by the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board is the reason for the poor condition of these roads.Photo: M. Karunakaran




http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_PONNERI_HIGH__806298g.jpg
A view of Ponneri High Road at Manali, damaged due to rains. This newly carved out zone of the Chennai Corporation needs further improvement and the next generation residents will be a happier lot with the Chennai Corporation taking over the area. Photo: S.S.Kumar




http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_RAIN_WATER_806299g.jpg
Rain water stagnated on West school road at Anna Nagar West after a spell of rain. With land prices in Anna Nagar soaring, the neighbouring localities such as Arumbakkam are witnessing demand for commercial space. And with it comes the problem of traffic congestion. In neighbouring Villivakkam, apart from traffic, garbage disposal is a major problem for the residents. Garbage is burnt near Thathankuppam. Photo: K. Pichumani





http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_ROAD_8_806300g.jpg
Rain damaged road near Vijayanagar bus stand at Velachery-Taramani Main Road. Traffic congestion in the area has only worsened due to bad roads. Photo: M. Karunakaran






http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_THIRUBIKA_PER_806301g.jpg
A view of the Perambur Flyover. The flyover is the most important project as a solution to the traffic congestion. But with the roads not being widened, traffic police have not been regulating traffic near the flyover, leading to frequent accidents in the nearby areas. Photo: R. Ragu







http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00806/THSHK_TRIPLICANE_8_806302g.jpg
Garbage dumped on the road-side which scattered all over at Pilliyar Koil Street in Triplicane. Garbage clearance seems to be the key issue in the locality. Unless the residents complain, garbage piles up for several days together. Photo : R. Ravindran.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2531529.ece

Cluster model a proven success for leather




The leather cluster initiatives that have contributed to the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises in the sector will be extended to the other leather clusters in the State, according to Dr Dinesh Awasthi, Director, Entrepreneurship Development of India.

Addressing media persons at an event to showcase the success model, tested by the EDI, an non-profit institution established by apex financial institutions including IDBI, IFCI and SBI, he said small units have been demonstrated to achieve economies of scale, efficiency and technology upgradation in the cluster model promoted by the EDI.

The leather industry in Chennai includes over 200 tanneries and 300 leather product units most of which are focussed on exports. Bringing down costs, enhancing efficiency through technology infusion have contributed to the growth of these businesses.

Through the programme, the EDI had supported the formation of a special purpose vehicle with 22 units that had coordinated the purchases of dyes and chemicals, which had helped to bring down costs significantly to Rs 250-260 a kg from about Rs 400 if the units had bought them individually. Similar interventions have also been done in energy-efficiency measures, upgrading equipment to enhance capacities, skill development and international certifications.

The leather industry representatives have evinced interest in extending this model to other leather clusters in Ambur, Ranipet and Vaniyambadi. The objective is to expand this programme to all the 550 tanners in the State.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2535025.ece

This seems to be too too high. :eek:

This is very high......if thiruporur is increasing like this ,then the entire stretch of OMR till thiruporur will see manifold increase......


Even SPR sells at 3200 or more per sqft these days :)