Chennai - Waterways Cleaning and Restoration Project Updates

[ezhilan81]

Originally Posted by satchitananda

I am disappointed with the way we seem to be thinking...

If a politician takes 10-15% its no good.. remember we are talking of hundreds of crores. eventually thousands..

ATLEAST in our expectations, we cannot let the moral standard drop. When we keep lowering our standards and expectations, human nature is to stoop further lower. When a kid gets 95, you want to expect 100 or atleast give the child the hope or possibility exists of 100. Not to congratulate on getting 2 marks above the passmark.

Lets keep the vision and standards higher. Dont let reality contaminate the vision, for vision is future reality and if we negate it, we will stuck with what we argue for (lesser current junk)

I do not want to hijack the thread from cleaning Chennai waterways to cleaning politicians. A solution is possible for the former.. no hope exists for the latter.

Sorry to be off topic...Go to any temple in the South of TN and see what happens when you pay a bribe of Rs 50 to a prohithar...You will be given special permission to stand for another 2 mins and pray..pay another rs 50 and you get special Prasadham...If you are a group of 10 and you want to go in special darshan...you dnt need to spend Rs 1000 (100 per head). All you have to do is pay a guy Rs 500 and he will take you all inside. This is how morally low the corruption system is in India. When people are impatient and want things to happen fast, they dont mind losing those hard earned money as bribe. Why would Stalin even think of changing when your or me dont want to change. Most of the times we are just forced to live with the beauracracy..hope it changes down the generations

[vijay_t]

Originally Posted by satchitananda

I am disappointed with the way we seem to be thinking...

If a politician takes 10-15% its no good.. remember we are talking of hundreds of crores. eventually thousands..

ATLEAST in our expectations, we cannot let the moral standard drop. When we keep lowering our standards and expectations, human nature is to stoop further lower. When a kid gets 95, you want to expect 100 or atleast give the child the hope or possibility exists of 100. Not to congratulate on getting 2 marks above the passmark.

Lets keep the vision and standards higher. Dont let reality contaminate the vision, for vision is future reality and if we negate it, we will stuck with what we argue for (lesser current junk)

I do not want to hijack the thread from cleaning Chennai waterways to cleaning politicians. A solution is possible for the former.. no hope exists for the latter.

How a party can pay its millions of members? Our PM getting salary less than us!! Theoretically or practically no one can run a party with out corruption...(Even US) Expecting Zero corruption is impossible... When politician like jaya steal 100% and when Karunanithi spend money for tamil and free TV only ...this Stalin is only hope for TN now (my opinion only)...

This is not off track ...as many of us believe this project is just a way to another corruption... this debate is inevitable

[Mad 4 Madras]

Originally Posted by vijay_t

When politician like jaya steal 100%

Proof? You may have to delete this or you'll be banged by sincere ADMK forumers here (like RajBang, if i'm not wrong).

[vijay_t]

Originally Posted by Mad 4 Madras

Proof? You may have to delete this or you'll be banged by sincere ADMK forumers here (like RajBang, if i'm not wrong).

Whole India knows these three lady legends story Mayawathi, Jayalaitha, Mamtha ...Providing proof for this is easy....its something like asking proof for mottais in thirupathi (Juz kidding)

[sridhar_n]

Originally Posted by vijay_t

Whole India knows these three lady legends story Mayawathi, Jayalaitha, Mamtha ...Providing proof for this is easy....its something like asking proof for mottais in thirupathi (Juz kidding)

hey, don't include Mamta in this list - she is not corrupt; but she is as controversial as the other two ladies you have mentioned.

[satchitananda]

SOURCE: THE HINDU

The master plan for eco-restoration of the Adyar estuary is ready and work is expected to begin in a month.

IL&FS Ecosmart, consultant for eco-restoration of Adyar estuary, submitted the master plan to the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) last week. Ecosmart has proposed three financial models ranging from Rs. 23 crore to Rs. 29 crore and the government is likely to approve one of the models by this weekend, TNUIFSL officials said.

The State government had set up Adyar Poonga Trust to ecologically restore the river, estuary, creek and the entire region and maintain it. The project was to be executed in two phases, first at the creek and then at the estuary. Eco-restoration of the Adyar creek was entrusted to M/s Pitchandikulam Forest Consultants for Rs. 19.72 crore in 2008. Ecosmart bagged the award for restoring the estuary.

Ecosmart's eco-restoration will focus mainly on controlling pollution at source points where industrial effluents and waste water from low-level areas contaminating the river and dredging for 1.5 km of the river initially for achieving channel depths and then at the river mouth for its sustained opening.

The maintenance of channel integrity for flood evacuation and in-stream aeration for improving water quality to allow re-establishment of aquatic species are part of the plan, said Pavan Ballyparthy, Manager (technical), IL&FS Ecosmart. The plan includes effective solid waste management and sanitation for slum dwellers living along the river banks.

Prominent open spaces will be developed into interactive areas to make the estuary eco-system people- friendly. Measures have been recommended to control access to the public, TNUIFSL officials said. While the Adyar Poonga project aims at recreating a lost tropical forest eco-system, the Adyar estuary eco-restoration looks to revive the river.

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

In theory, this twin approach is very scientific. If they can translate this talk into action, no one will be more delighted than me. A very good positive step. Restoration of the forest ecosystem (Hope Joss Brooks, Pitchandikulam Forests, will reintroduce some of the lost Albizia Amara community) and restoration of the river ecology are definitely to be done hand in hand. Fortunately Adyar is relatively lesser polluted, may be a few shades less than Cooum. But is more critical as its estuary is still vibrant. Reintroducing some mangroves near the estuary should also be considered. Adyar river restoration has other bigger advantages as there are lots of touristic hotspots which can provide a boost.

I would definitely want the Poonga to levy a variable fee. (One for education based groups like from schools and the general public). The fee should be not for just the salary of the potential workers there, but to maintain the ecosystem at large.

Adyar restoration has all the ingredients to showcase this as a model.

The key is to aggressively go after sources letting in sewer and pollutants

[sridhar_n]

very challenging exercise - "controlling pollution at source points where industrial effluents and waste water from low-level areas contaminating the river and dredging for 1.5 km of the river initially for achieving channel depths and then at the river mouth for its sustained opening".

Let us hope they succeed and sustain it forever. And the agency should be given absolute power to plug all the illegal discharges without notice to the person/entity who is doing it. I wish no PIL sort of thing is filed by vested interests to slow down the progress.

[Leo_r]

=sridhar_n;61956769 And the agency should be given absolute power to plug all the illegal discharges without notice to the person/entity who is doing it. I wish no PIL sort of thing is filed by vested interests to slow down the progress.

Unfortunately,Former President Mr Venkataraman planned Guindy Industrial Estate (south and North including Extension) without underground drainage system when he was State Industries Minister.

Only in 2005 they took up installing UG network with a special purpose org, and it is still incomplete.

So all Industrial waste along with waste water from Estate and nearby Labour Colony and other settlements (including slum clearance board flats all along)flows into Adayar right now.

Can you Plug them without notice and providing an alternate? May be has to wait for a year.

Our Chennai Mayor also is residing in Labour colony and is fully aware of the situation.

[mycoovum]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum, a chennaite living in texas. I share the same dream as all of you in seeing the Coovum transform in to a seine, yarra or numerous rivers we see in european cities.
I have been reading through the forum and yes, the govt is starting some form of action but as many of you have pointed out the people have to be involved. Without people push it will not be done any time in our lifetimes,and it will stay a dream

Why not join together to form an action committee and do our bit to make the dream come through? The effort looks daunting but its a worthy goal to try.

"Deivathal aagatheninum muyarchi than mei varutha kooli tharum"

[satchitananda]

Originally Posted by mycoovum

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum, a chennaite living in texas. I share the same dream as all of you in seeing the Coovum transform in to a seine, yarra or numerous rivers we see in european cities.
I have been reading through the forum and yes, the govt is starting some form of action but as many of you have pointed out the people have to be involved. Without people push it will not be done any time in our lifetimes,and it will stay a dream

Why not join together to form an action committee and do our bit to make the dream come through? The effort looks daunting but its a worthy goal to try.

"Deivathal aagatheninum muyarchi than mei varutha kooli tharum"

Great idea. But what would the charter of this action committee ? what would it do. Act like a conduit to the government, forwarding ideas ??

Spread awareness and campaign ?? Expand on these lines and if there is a concrete practical idea, count me in.

[vijay_t]

Originally Posted by mycoovum

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum, a chennaite living in texas. I share the same dream as all of you in seeing the Coovum transform in to a seine, yarra or numerous rivers we see in european cities.
I have been reading through the forum and yes, the govt is starting some form of action but as many of you have pointed out the people have to be involved. Without people push it will not be done any time in our lifetimes,and it will stay a dream

Why not join together to form an action committee and do our bit to make the dream come through? The effort looks daunting but its a worthy goal to try.

"Deivathal aagatheninum muyarchi than mei varutha kooli tharum"

May be we first launch a online campaing ..a deicated website with polls and all information and ask people sign electronically (may be set a target) and forward that to govt to show how much people looking for this project ??? if possible attract VIPs and celebs to sign too..if we can spend then can advertise in papers to ask people to sign that ?? . that will give pressure to govt ? (vote bank pressure) ....

Anyway realy your avi name looks interestiing "mycoovum" .....

[mycoovum]

I belive the first step is to collect information on:
1. The project proposal and plan, that would give us background information on the issue that need to be tackled and how they are planning to do that - Can we get a copy of this from the Govt?
2. What has happened at other places in the world? How have they done it? We know that singapore has done it, San Antonio,tx has done it (where Stalin visited),so too Yarra in Melbourne. This can help us with solutions or ideas each of which can be individually implemented one at a time or more with incremental and measurable improvement towards the goal.
3. Who are the people on the ground in Chennai? There should be NGO's and other organizations already involved in some ways to clean/prevent pollution inc chennai. How do we contact them? integrate our efforts with them or help with some of their initiatives?
4. How do we involve the business houses in Chennai? How do we involve the expat Tamils/Chennaites in to this? Should we start communicating the thought the idea to our friends/relatives or other interested parties?

I found an interesting read on the Sigapore cleaning effort :

http://www.pub.gov.sg/general/Documents/Cleanriver1.pdf

-One step at a time-

[cofee]

Originally Posted by mycoovum

I belive the first step is to collect information on:
1. The project proposal and plan, that would give us background information on the issue that need to be tackled and how they are planning to do that - Can we get a copy of this from the Govt?
2. What has happened at other places in the world? How have they done it? We know that singapore has done it, San Antonio,tx has done it (where Stalin visited),so too Yarra in Melbourne. This can help us with solutions or ideas each of which can be individually implemented one at a time or more with incremental and measurable improvement towards the goal.
3. Who are the people on the ground in Chennai? There should be NGO's and other organizations already involved in some ways to clean/prevent pollution inc chennai. How do we contact them? integrate our efforts with them or help with some of their initiatives?
4. How do we involve the business houses in Chennai? How do we involve the expat Tamils/Chennaites in to this? Should we start communicating the thought the idea to our friends/relatives or other interested parties?

I found an interesting read on the Sigapore cleaning effort :

http://www.pub.gov.sg/general/Documents/Cleanriver1.pdf

-One step at a time-

Man you mean business.

Well done keep it up.

You seam to have lot of passion on this matter (you name says it all), you should write to new papers (letter to editor section) that way you Idieas/Vision may get exposed to the bureaucrats and politicians.

[jaish]

Originally Posted by mycoovum

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum, a chennaite living in texas. I share the same dream as all of you in seeing the Coovum transform in to a seine, yarra or numerous rivers we see in european cities.
I have been reading through the forum and yes, the govt is starting some form of action but as many of you have pointed out the people have to be involved. Without people push it will not be done any time in our lifetimes,and it will stay a dream

Why not join together to form an action committee and do our bit to make the dream come through? The effort looks daunting but its a worthy goal to try.

"Deivathal aagatheninum muyarchi than mei varutha kooli tharum"

+1. Yes we have to do something. I can also be included.

[wlbkng]

அமெரிக்காவின் டெக்சாஸ் மாநிலத்தில் சான் ஆன்டனியோ நகரம் சென்னை நகரத்துடன் 'சிஸ்டர் சிட்டி' ஒப்பந்தம் செய்து கொண்டது. அந்த ஒப்பந்தத்தின் மூலம் சென்னை நதிகள் வளம் பெறுவதற்கான வாய்ப்புகள் உள்ளன.

அந்த ஒப்பந்தம் சான் ஆன்டனியோ மேயர் பில் ஹார்டுபெர்கருக்கும் சென்னை மேயர் சுப்பிரமணியனுக்கும் 2008ல் இடையே நடைபெற்றது. சான் ஆன்டனியோ மேயர் அந்நகரில் உள்ள சான் ஆன்டனியோ ஆற்றை 13 கிலோ மீட்டர் நீளத்திற்கு அதிகபடுத்தி அதை சிறந்த சுற்றுலா தளமாக மேம்படுத்தியுள்ளார். அதை அடிப்படையாக கொண்டு சென்னை நகரின் நதிகளும் தூய்மையாக்கப்பட்டு சிறந்த சுற்றுலா தளமாக மாறுவதற்கான வாய்ப்புகள் உள்ளன.

இது சான் ஆன்டனியோ நகரத்திற்கு 8வது ஒப்பந்தமாக இருந்தாலும் இந்திய நகரத்துடன் செய்த முதல் ஒப்பந்தம் இது. இந்த ஒப்பந்தத்தின் மூலம் கல்வி, கலாச்சாரம், பண்பாடு, பொருளாதராம் போன்ற துறைகளில் பரிமாற்றம் நிகழ்வதற்கான வாய்ப்புகள் உருவாக உள்ளது. சென்னையில் உள்ள அருங்காட்சியத்தை மேம்படுத்தும் திட்டமும் இதில் அடங்கும். இதன் மூலமாக அந்நிய மூதலீடுகள் அதிகரிக்கவும் புதிய தொழில்கள் ஏற்படுவதற்கான சாத்திய கூறுகளும் அதிகரித்துள்ளது

http://www.dinamalar.com/madrasday/m...l.asp?id=65049

[satchitananda]

SOURCE: http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/24/stories/2010082453560100.htm

Enumeration of families settled along the Cooum will be completed this month as part of the River Restoration and Elevated Expressway projects.

According to sources, over 85,000 persons are likely to be identified in the enumeration exercise that is about to conclude after houses that are locked are accounted for.

The number of families enumerated has crossed 15,000, said a senior official associated with the project. Efforts are being taken to ensure that all people are rehabilitated properly, the official said.

The Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, the Public Works Department and the Chennai Corporation are carrying out the enumeration of families along water bodies in and around Chennai.

Over 8,000 families residing in 35 slums along the proposed elevated expressway have been identified for rehabilitation.

A total of 6,930 families of 19 slums to be relocated for river restoration have been enumerated within the city limits. On the outskirts, 2,282 families of 17 habitations have been enumerated.

The Corporation has also started the enumeration of families residing on encroached land along 16 canals. The number of families enumerated has crossed 1,000. Enumeration along Mambalam and Kodungaiyur canals is also under way. An estimated number of 5,000 families along the 15 canals would be covered, said an official of the civic body.

The enumeration of encroachments along other canals including Captain Cotton, Vysarpadi, Jawahar, MGR, Egankipuram, Jafferkhanpet, Guindy Estate, Chellamal, Nungambakkam, Trustpuram, Raj Bhavan, Reddikuppam and TVS canals would be completed by October, said a Corporation official.

The Public Works Department has completed mapping of the slums and the enumeration would start shortly.


------------------------
VERY GOOD FIRST STEP

[mycoovum]

check this out: http://www.tn.gov.in/pressdb/pr14Jun10/pr140610c.jpg

Don't see a computer in sight, not judging, but for am important meeting like this would't there be atleast a laptop around??

[mycoovum]

Don't see a computer in sight, not judging, but for am important meeting like this would't there be atleast a laptop around??

[nsantha2]

Originally Posted by satchitananda

SOURCE: http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/24/stories/2010082453560100.htm

Enumeration of families settled along the Cooum will be completed this month as part of the River Restoration and Elevated Expressway projects.

According to sources, over 85,000 persons are likely to be identified in the enumeration exercise that is about to conclude after houses that are locked are accounted for.

The number of families enumerated has crossed 15,000, said a senior official associated with the project. Efforts are being taken to ensure that all people are rehabilitated properly, the official said.

The Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, the Public Works Department and the Chennai Corporation are carrying out the enumeration of families along water bodies in and around Chennai.

Over 8,000 families residing in 35 slums along the proposed elevated expressway have been identified for rehabilitation.

A total of 6,930 families of 19 slums to be relocated for river restoration have been enumerated within the city limits. On the outskirts, 2,282 families of 17 habitations have been enumerated.

The Corporation has also started the enumeration of families residing on encroached land along 16 canals. The number of families enumerated has crossed 1,000. Enumeration along Mambalam and Kodungaiyur canals is also under way. An estimated number of 5,000 families along the 15 canals would be covered, said an official of the civic body.

The enumeration of encroachments along other canals including Captain Cotton, Vysarpadi, Jawahar, MGR, Egankipuram, Jafferkhanpet, Guindy Estate, Chellamal, Nungambakkam, Trustpuram, Raj Bhavan, Reddikuppam and TVS canals would be completed by October, said a Corporation official.

The Public Works Department has completed mapping of the slums and the enumeration would start shortly.


------------------------
VERY GOOD FIRST STEP

I'm very interested in seeing how and where these people will be moved. I hope it's not out all the way to the outlying suburbs: despite how awful the conditions near the Cooum must be, they're still there for some reason, probably work. Moving them all the way to the suburbs might have a really adverse effect on their livelihoods.

[mycoovum]

If done right, they are getting a better place to live, with running water, electricity, sanitation. Suburbs in chennai are among the fastest growing places with needs for lots of services and these people could easily generate income or start small businesses with micro loans from government.

The issue is do they have a plan to do it right (think empathy) and how to convince the folks that its a win-win to move?