More workers brought to Chennai from other districts, says K.N. Nehru
The Hindu
GCC boosts monsoon prep: 50% rise in complaints on 1913 helpline; workers, pumps, equip deployed; medical camps, food prep for low-lying areas; canals cleaned, garbage cleared from manholes.
As the number of complaints about civic issues on the 1913 helpline increased by 50% on Saturday, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) improved preparedness for the monsoon, deploying additional workers, pumps, and equipment to tackle the rain predicted on Sunday.
The civic body has made arrangements for officials to respond to social media messages about water stagnation and other civic issues through the Integrated Command and Control Centre.
Municipal Administration and Water Supply Minister K.N. Nehru visited Ripon Buildings on Saturday to review preparedness measures. “Based on the lessons learnt in the past two days, we have proposed more work to prevent water stagnation. More water in Chembarambakkam has been drained as part of preparedness ahead of the heavy rain. We have stationed more workers in the city from other districts. More pumps have been readied,” he said.
“A total of 138 locations reported water stagnation in the city. They were drained in two to three hours after the intervention of workers from various departments. It took more time draining water from 37 locations, which has been completed now,” he said.
Stressing the need for safety during the heavy rain, he said residents had been advised not to visit parks and beaches for two days. “We will close all parks in the city. Residents have been advised not to go to beach roads.”
“In T. Nagar, water stagnation was reported because 6500 cusecs of Chembarambakkam water was released. Alternative arrangements to pump water have been made in such locations,” Mr. Nehru said.
“Areas such as Prakasam Salai, Pulianthope High Road, Rajaji Salai, and Police Commissioner Road did not have water stagnation. A total of ₹2,043 crore was spent on 267-km of storm-water drains. In areas where work was completed under priority 1, there was no water stagnation. We have started priority 2 works to mitigate flooding,” he said.
The Opposition Congress demanded that the government open the Gandhi Vatika Museum, depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and freedom struggle, built at a cost of ₹85 crore in Jaipur’s Central Park last year, during the Congress-led regime in Rajasthan. The museum has not been opened to the public, reportedly because of the administration’s engagements with the State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.