In the deserted Island Grounds of Chennai, people will soon be tasting varieties of banana deserts during a two-day banana festival organised by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development (TTDC) on July 25 and 26.The festival to be conducted on weekend would have about 25 varieties of bananas on display in more than 40 stalls spread across in the sprawling 10, 000 sq ft premises. Though one may be familiar with Karpooram, Rasthali, Pachai and Poovan bananas, the urban population might have not heard about the mouth-watering Mondhan, Kumanan and Peyan, which you cannot afford to miss.Besides, the festival will have stalls, where students from catering colleges would be demonstrating delicious dishes prepared using bananas such as chips, salad, vada and so on.“The entry has been made free to visitors to witness and enjoy this visual treat,” he noted.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wine culture in Chennai
Developing a taste for new cuisine is passé and the innumerable food festivals stand witness to the fact. But of late, Chennaiites have developed a love for wine; a love that has been cultivated for many years. Certain families in Chennai prepared home made wines for festivals or bought locally made wines from Goa. But this love for the drink is now reaching the next level where most people can enjoy the drink by doing one of the two - Join a club or take part in a wine dinner. A time when wine was thought to be only a woman’s drink while men enjoyed the rest of the hard drinks is all gone. The growing number of wine lovers- men and women only goes to prove that the wine culture is fast catching on, but is an expensive hobby. The clubs not just promote tasting of the finest wines but also give its members an acquaintance through tasting sessions, lectures by wine experts and makers on the cultural and historical aspects of wine, promoting health benefits of moderate wine drinking, screening of wine related films paired with sipping on their favourite wine and organising wine tours. “There is a growing appreciation for wine and much of it is because of the hype that has been created,” notes Captain Arjun Nair, one of the founding members of Terroir- The Madras Wine Club. Wine tasting is not limited to clubs but the fever has even caught among the star hotels in the city. While some promote wine with food pairing in their full course menus, the rest bring experts from abroad to spread the knowledge about wine.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Chennai gears up for the longest solar eclipse
You may be a late riser, but coming Wednesday you can’t afford to be one. There’s a solar eclipse that’s to start early in the day and last for almost two hours — from 5.29 am to 7.18 am — the longest of its kind in the 21st century.The city will see a partial eclipse of 63.2 per cent. This is the third time in 15 years when a full solar eclipse has occurred in India.As for Chennaiites, the next total solar eclipse comes only in 2132.Kanyakumari will be the first to view the eclipse in India. From there, it will be visible in some other cities up north and east. The last Indian city to witness the rare sight will be Port Blair.The Tamil Nadu Science Forum is all set to woo the public — but with caution.Solar filter glasses are being sold for Rs 10. Also, solar filters are available for Rs 5 at its centres, besides specially made aluminium glasses.Arrangements have been made in the city in Gandhi Salai and Thiruvalluvar Nagar near Thiruvanmiyur to view the eclipse. The forum has also made arrangements in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ramnad and Pudukkottai.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
New floating jetty at Muttukadu
A drive to Muttukadu boathouse along the East Coast Road would be more exciting, enjoyable and filled with thrill, thanks to Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) for giving a face lift to it.
The boathouse located about 36 km away from Chennai now has a lounge, from where tourists can view boat rides while having food and bamboo huts, created at a cost of Rs 87 lakh. Also, a floating boat jetty facility has been set up, along with modern toilets and other basic infrastructure for the visitors. More space has been earmarked for parking lots and a children park is planned.
Chief Secretary K S Sripathi on Saturday inaugurated the newly renovated boathouse, in which Secretary, Tourism, Dr V Irai Anbu, Managing Director of TTDC, Dr A Chittranjan Mohandoss participated.
Briefing newsperson, he said, more speedboats would be added to Muttukadu boathouse, which presently has a total number of 51 boats, including 27 mechanised boats. The boathouse has generated net revenue to the tune Rs 161.92 lakh, out of which Rs 79.77 lakh was its net income in the year 2008-2009.
While during the corresponding year, the net revenue and net profit were Rs 139.91 lakh and Rs 58.46 lakh, respectively.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Anna Salai, Kamarajar Salai to boast of graffiti
Following the success in maintaining the city’s two arterial roads, Anna Salai and Kamarajar Salai without posters for more than a month, the Chennai Corporation now embarked on a mission to turn them as visual treat for visitors.As part of their drive, the civic body has planned for 50,000 sqft wall paintings on both the roads in coming days. After visiting one of such painting sites near Nandanam on Saturday, Mayor M Subramanian told reporters, “After the ban was imposed on wall posters on these arterial roads, efforts are now on to beautify them by painting eye-catching images depicting rich Tamil culture and tradition.” In the first phase, the compound walls of YMCA School of Physical Education at Saidapet in Zone 9 have been painted with images of the Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari, cave temples of Mahabalipuram, Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple and many others depicting our rich culture, the Mayor said. A stretch of 7,102 sq ft have been painted here.A team of painters led by Tamil Nadu Painters Association president J P Krishna have been entrusted with the task of painting them.After Saidapet, painting works on compound walls at Raj Bhavan in Guindy, Tamil Nadu Veterinary department at Nandanam, MC Raja Hostel at Saidapet and Athuma Nagar Bus Stand would be taken up.The walls at the DMS Complex at Teynampet, Island Grounds would be painted with images boasting the culture of the land.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Monday, July 13, 2009
Chennai Metro rail project on course: officials
In the wake of the Delhi Metro mishap in the Capital, the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) clarified that the mishap will not affect the ongoing works of the CMRL.
“The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation was our consultant. But it is not executing the project. The mishap will no way slow down the execution of CMRL project,” said a senior official with CMRL refusing to go in to the details.
Terming the incident unfortunate, the official said that the resignation of E Sreedharan as the Managing Director of DMRC was unexpected.
The Tamil Nadu government had entrusted DMRC to prepare a detailed project report for CMRL. The DPR was submitted on November 1, 2007 and the Cabinet gave its approval on November 7, 2007. The piling work for the project was inaugurated on June 10, 2009.
On a question on the safety aspect of the ongoing construction project in Chennai, the official said, “CMRL has taken at most care in every step of construction.
We cannot say anything about the Delhi accident. It is too early to say anything about it. We are also keen on knowing what went wrong there and of course here we will take every precaution to avert situations that leads to such mishaps,” he said.
On being quizzed about how the mishap would affect the various projects, which DMRC is associated with in the country and abroad, Krishnamoorthy said, “That will depend upon the nature of DMRC’s involvement in those projects. If DMRC is part of executing those projects, it may affect them,” said the official maintaining that he was not the competent person to speak on other CMRL initiatives.
Meanwhile, S Krishnamoorthy spokesperson for CMRL said that a five-member consortium led by Egis Rail S.A., France had already been appointed as General Consultants. The general consultants were assisting CMRL in design, supervision, quality control, safety and contract management for the project.
Krishnamoorthy said that CMRL would keep a close watch on the developments in the Capital.
“We are confident that we will complete our project in the scheduled time,” he said. It is expected to make the project operational by 2014-15.
-source from EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Zylog launches Wi-Fi services in Chennai
Zylog systems, a Chennai based IT company has launched Wi-Fi services 'Wi5 Broadband Wireless' in Chennai, thus entering the Indian Internet Service Provider (ISP) business. The company has got an 'A' category service provider license to operate in all of India's Department of Telecom (DoT) circles.
Ramanujam Sesharathnam, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Zylog Systems said, "We are delighted to launch 'Wi5' services in Chennai, as it is a city with high laptop and mobile internet population, familiarity with working online is implausible. Due to Wi5's inherent technological superiority, the speed will be many times faster than conventional broadband and offers a minimum data speeds of one mbps."
Zylog which has already installed wireless internet connectivity in Chennai Corporation (Ripon Building) as a trial run intends to use selective buildings in the city to place intelligent Wi-Fi nodes on roof tops. These tiny nodes which occupy only about two to three square feet space at the terrace will ensure lifelong wi-fi access for residents of the building. The nodes which consume less than 30w of power take only a few hours to install. Apart from the monthly pay of Rs. 500 for electricity charges, the service will be free of cost.
S P Srihari, Director, Zylog Systems India said, "With its new services operational, Zylog is expecting revenues of Rs 500 crores in the next five years through this business. With 250 Wi5 enabled nodes already installed across the city, 4000 more nodes will be operational in Chennai by the next 12-15 months."
For the first phase, Zylog has started installing nodes in Adyar, Besant Nagar and Ashok Nagar. The company will also be looking at some rail projects in the future.
-source from SILICONINDIA.COM
Ramanujam Sesharathnam, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Zylog Systems said, "We are delighted to launch 'Wi5' services in Chennai, as it is a city with high laptop and mobile internet population, familiarity with working online is implausible. Due to Wi5's inherent technological superiority, the speed will be many times faster than conventional broadband and offers a minimum data speeds of one mbps."
Zylog which has already installed wireless internet connectivity in Chennai Corporation (Ripon Building) as a trial run intends to use selective buildings in the city to place intelligent Wi-Fi nodes on roof tops. These tiny nodes which occupy only about two to three square feet space at the terrace will ensure lifelong wi-fi access for residents of the building. The nodes which consume less than 30w of power take only a few hours to install. Apart from the monthly pay of Rs. 500 for electricity charges, the service will be free of cost.
S P Srihari, Director, Zylog Systems India said, "With its new services operational, Zylog is expecting revenues of Rs 500 crores in the next five years through this business. With 250 Wi5 enabled nodes already installed across the city, 4000 more nodes will be operational in Chennai by the next 12-15 months."
For the first phase, Zylog has started installing nodes in Adyar, Besant Nagar and Ashok Nagar. The company will also be looking at some rail projects in the future.
-source from SILICONINDIA.COM
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Volvo services planned to 5 more towns from chennai
The government has decided to introduce Volvo bus services from Chennai to Sriperumbudur, Chengalpet, Sunguvarchathiram, Tiruvallur and Gummidipoondi.
Replying to Congress MLA E.S.S. Raman, Transport Minister K.N. Nehru said the Volvo service between Chennai and Kancheepuram had good patronage.
The government had invited tenders to buy 100 Volvo buses and the process was on.
Mr. Nehru explained that Volvo buses were introduced in Chennai city as a status symbol, but the revenue generation was not encouraging and the transport corporation was not even able to achieve the break-even amount of Rs.15,000 a day.
“So we decided to allow display advertisements on the buses at the rate of Rs.4,800 per day. This helped achieve break-even. The revenue went up when the services were extended to Kancheepuram,” he said.
-source from THEHINDU.COM
Replying to Congress MLA E.S.S. Raman, Transport Minister K.N. Nehru said the Volvo service between Chennai and Kancheepuram had good patronage.
The government had invited tenders to buy 100 Volvo buses and the process was on.
Mr. Nehru explained that Volvo buses were introduced in Chennai city as a status symbol, but the revenue generation was not encouraging and the transport corporation was not even able to achieve the break-even amount of Rs.15,000 a day.
“So we decided to allow display advertisements on the buses at the rate of Rs.4,800 per day. This helped achieve break-even. The revenue went up when the services were extended to Kancheepuram,” he said.
-source from THEHINDU.COM
Saturday, July 11, 2009
'New plan to clean Coovum getting ready'
The project report for cleaning Coovum river is getting ready, PWD Minister Durai Murugan told the State Assembly on Thursday.Replying to a query by AIADMK member R Sekar Babu, the Minister said the Central government had approved a mega plan for cleaning up Buckingham canal at a cost of Rs.1,447 crore. For the first phase, Rs.633 crore had been sanctioned and the work on desilting the canals in North Chennai areas was already underway. Precautionary measures to prevent flooding during rainy seasons were also being taken.Apart from this, a plan for repairing waterways in the city had been submitted to the World Bank and the bank had advised the State government to take up the cleaning of Coovum river as a separate project. Following this, a Special Officer has been appointed for preparing the plan for cleaning Coovum.Stating that a river akin to Coovum was cleaned up in America and a team of experts would visit the place to know the techniques applied there, Durai Murugan said the State government was paying special attention for cleaning Coovum.
-source from EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Rs 46 cr flyover to come up at Thirumangalam junction
A new flyover (grade separator) will come up at Thirumangalam junction — where the Anna Nagar second avenue joins the Inner Ring Road junction and the Mogappair Road starts — at an estimated cost of Rs 46.46 crore under the urban development plan.Work on the project will begin this financial year, stated a Highways Department policy note for 2009-10 tabled in the Assembly on Friday. On completion of the Detailed Project Report, the revised administrative sanction will be sought.Interestingly, the inner ring road is a national highway, while the second avenue comes under Chennai Corporation and the Mogappair Road is under Ambattur Municipality jurisdiction.Reacting to the announcement of the proposed new grade separator, Anna Nagar Western Extension (Phase II) Residents Welfare Association president V Rajagopal said, “We wholeheartedly welcome the government’s decision to construct a new bridge here.Residents of Anna Nagar West Extension, Thirumangalam and Mogappair (West and East) were going through the ordeal of regular traffic snarls at this junction.” Among the grade separators that figured in the policy note was the one at Kodambakkam - Sriperumbudur Road, Mount - Poonamallee Road intersection at Porur, at a cost of Rs 34.72 crore.While a revised administrative sanction for it is awaited, land acquisition for the service road and tendering process will be completed this year.The steering committee has approved construction of a grade separator in GNT Road at Moolakkadai junction at a cost of Rs 60.20 crore.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Barbecue, American style in Chennai
Chennai can now get set to barbecue in true American style. Weber, an company that claims to have given America its Backyard Barbecue lifestyle is now in India, and recently launched its range of barbecue grills in Chennai.
Speaking at the launch, Mike J. Kempster, Executive Vice President of Weber said that they were trying to break sever misconceptions about barbecues in India. “It’s a myth that barbecues are only suited for non-vegetarian cooking, that it’s a messy affair and it isn’t suited for Indian weather” informed Kempster, “and working on breaking down these myths” he added.
Weber has tied up with the Great Indian Leisure and Lifestyle Company to promote grills and barbecues in the country. As of now the grills are available in over 100 retail outlets spanning 13 cities.
Two kinds of grills are available- one that works on charcoal( and boasts of charcoal made of coconut shell that is eco-friendly) and the other that works on gas. Starting at Rs 7999 for the basic charcoal grill, prices go up to almost 1,35,000 for the gas grills.
Also present at the launch was CEO of The Great Indian Leisure company, Shiva Kumar who said that their company’s objective was to introduce the true barbecue experience of healthy and wholesome food to a much larger audience in India. Weber Grills are available at Poppat Jamal, Currimbhoys and Elements.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Speaking at the launch, Mike J. Kempster, Executive Vice President of Weber said that they were trying to break sever misconceptions about barbecues in India. “It’s a myth that barbecues are only suited for non-vegetarian cooking, that it’s a messy affair and it isn’t suited for Indian weather” informed Kempster, “and working on breaking down these myths” he added.
Weber has tied up with the Great Indian Leisure and Lifestyle Company to promote grills and barbecues in the country. As of now the grills are available in over 100 retail outlets spanning 13 cities.
Two kinds of grills are available- one that works on charcoal( and boasts of charcoal made of coconut shell that is eco-friendly) and the other that works on gas. Starting at Rs 7999 for the basic charcoal grill, prices go up to almost 1,35,000 for the gas grills.
Also present at the launch was CEO of The Great Indian Leisure company, Shiva Kumar who said that their company’s objective was to introduce the true barbecue experience of healthy and wholesome food to a much larger audience in India. Weber Grills are available at Poppat Jamal, Currimbhoys and Elements.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Two-day banana festival at Chennai,Island Ground
After the famous mango festival in Krishnagiri, the Horticulture Department in association with the Tourism Department will host ‘Banana festival’ on the Island Grounds here on July 25 and 26.
On display will be different varieties of the fruit grown in the State, along with ready-to-use food items with banana as base, processed foods and products made of banana fibre, among other things. The exhibition area will be spread over 10,000 sq.ft with private parties taking part in large numbers. “This is for the first time we are conducting the banana festival. The idea is to encourage consumption of banana, give a fillip to the sale of value-added banana products . We are also bringing in students from catering institutes to prepare banana-based food items for the visitors. In the evenings, we will conduct a cultural show that would include folk arts,” a Tourism Department official said.
The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the entry is free. “Basically, it is a consumer exhibition, wherein we will provide public an occasion to come and relax, learn about the various food items that can prepared be at home. Besides showcasing different varieties of bananas, we will tell them about the medicinal values the fruit has. We will make it a regular event, if it draws huge response,” the official added.
-source THEHINDU.COM
Two lakh participants to run in Chennai Marathon
About two lakh participants from all over the world are expected to participate in the second edition of the 'Give Life Chennai Marathon 2009', to be held here on August 22.
Organised by the city-based Tamil Maiyam and Goodwill Communications Ltd, the proceeds of 21.09 km run would be used to provide assistance to the underprivileged children.
A total of 8460 children have been enlisted for assistance this year, Fr Jegath Gasper Raj of Tamil Mayam told reporters here on Saturday.
The theme for this year's run would be awareness on diseases like obesity and diabetes, he said, adding the total prize money for the event is around Rs 27 lakh.
The prize money for winners of the Men and Women categories will be Rs five lakh.
A 'Lean Food Mela', highlighting the need for fibrous, healthy food and a 'Breakfast Festival' presenting the various breakfast dishes from the State would also be held, he said.
Last year around 1.7 lakh people participated in the run, which include 5800 professional runners, he added.
-source THEHINDU.COM
Thursday, July 9, 2009
After 20 yrs, way cleared for link road in Tambaram
It took a long time coming but when it finally came, on Wednesday, nearly 20,000 residents of East Tambaram and Selaiyur were elated.
Two decades after the first petition was filed for the link road, the Tambaram municipality finally cleared the way for laying an access road connecting Avaithar Street in Selaiyur with Velachery Main Road.
"This is a dream come true for thousands of residents. It cut shorts the distance by nearly three kilometres," said K Vijayalakshmi, a resident of New Balaji Nagar.
Currently, residents of New Balaji Nagar, IOB Colony, Bharathi Nagar, Selaiyur (South) and adjoining areas reach Velachery Main Road via Camp Road that belongs to the Indian Air Force. All these years, they had a tough time as the road was often restricted for traffic movement for security reasons.
Now all that is set to end soon. "I was in my 20s when the issue was first highlighted by the residents. Since then, the problem has been raised at every forum such as welfare association meetings, monthly council meetings and grievances meetings," said a Tambaram municipality official.
According to sources, the municipality acquired 6,000 sq ft of land from private owners for the 24-ft wide link road. It paid the required Rs 10.90 lakh to the revenue department of the Kancheepuram district in 2002 but procedural delays hampered the muncipality's efforts to lay the road. The issue was tabled in the monthly council meeting in 1989 and was cleared by the councillors.
Since then, repeated reminders were made by municipal officials and by the elected representative of the ward concerned (Ward No:20) at the monthly council meetings and now the dream has come true. "We will immediately level the ground and lay a 'kutcha' road. After a resolution is passing at the upcoming council meeting for topping it with bitumen along with the estimate, we will lay a permanent road on the existing stretch," sources said.
-source TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Two decades after the first petition was filed for the link road, the Tambaram municipality finally cleared the way for laying an access road connecting Avaithar Street in Selaiyur with Velachery Main Road.
"This is a dream come true for thousands of residents. It cut shorts the distance by nearly three kilometres," said K Vijayalakshmi, a resident of New Balaji Nagar.
Currently, residents of New Balaji Nagar, IOB Colony, Bharathi Nagar, Selaiyur (South) and adjoining areas reach Velachery Main Road via Camp Road that belongs to the Indian Air Force. All these years, they had a tough time as the road was often restricted for traffic movement for security reasons.
Now all that is set to end soon. "I was in my 20s when the issue was first highlighted by the residents. Since then, the problem has been raised at every forum such as welfare association meetings, monthly council meetings and grievances meetings," said a Tambaram municipality official.
According to sources, the municipality acquired 6,000 sq ft of land from private owners for the 24-ft wide link road. It paid the required Rs 10.90 lakh to the revenue department of the Kancheepuram district in 2002 but procedural delays hampered the muncipality's efforts to lay the road. The issue was tabled in the monthly council meeting in 1989 and was cleared by the councillors.
Since then, repeated reminders were made by municipal officials and by the elected representative of the ward concerned (Ward No:20) at the monthly council meetings and now the dream has come true. "We will immediately level the ground and lay a 'kutcha' road. After a resolution is passing at the upcoming council meeting for topping it with bitumen along with the estimate, we will lay a permanent road on the existing stretch," sources said.
-source TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Matt Damon Visit Chennai to Focus On "Clean Water"
Oscar winner and Hollywood star Matt Damon, (Good Will Hunting) was in Delhi and Chennai, India this week, for his H2O Africa Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about clean water initiatives.
Hindus have welcomed Damon to India. Damon's Foundation, co-founded in 2006, has undertaken projects in Uganda, Central African Republic, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Niger. Damon reportedly intends to launch a similar project in India. Damon is the Foundation's spokesperson.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauding Matt Damon's efforts to provide clean water to the world populace, urged other Hollywood celebrities to undertake similar projects to uplift the weak and vulnerable populations of the world.
Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said that all religions tell us to help the helpless. He offered support to Damon for his water projects and other charity ventures in India.
Thirty-eight year old Damon was reportedly happy to be in India on his first trip and said he might come back. He stayed at the Radisson Hotel in the Mahipalpur area of Delhi, about three kilometers from Indira Gandhi International Airport. He reportedly ate dal (pulse), chapatis (Indian thin bread), kabab (roasted meat), etc., during his stay in Delhi. Besides being a popular actor, Damon is a writer and philanthropist.
The stated objective of the H2O Africa Foundation is to "increase awareness of the African situation, empower people to action, and create sustainable alliances between people who want to help, the best organizations in the field to make it happen, and some of the amazing communities of Africa that have no clean water."
-source NEWBLAZE.COM
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tamil Nadu Government recruits 1032 college lecturers including 14 visually impaired, five hearing impaired and 10 physically disabled to be posted
With this, the government has filled up all vacancies for lecturer's post in governent colleges, except those that fell vacant following the retirement of lecturers on May 31, 2009, an official release here said.
After coming to power in May 2006, the DMK Government has recruited 936 lecturers during 2006-07 and filled 490 backlog vacancies, earmarked for schduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates in 2007-08.
This year, as in the previous years, the Government, through Teachers Recruitment Board, has recruited 1,023 candidates, including 718 men and 305 women, the release said.
Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, at a function organised by the Higher Education Department, distributed appointment orders to the selected candidates.
Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin, Minister for Higher Education K Pondumudi and Higher Education Secretary Ganesam were present on the occasion.
All those who were selected would be given one month orientation to ensure quality education to the students. The orientation scheme was the first of its kind in the country, the release added.
-source NEWKERALA.COM
After coming to power in May 2006, the DMK Government has recruited 936 lecturers during 2006-07 and filled 490 backlog vacancies, earmarked for schduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates in 2007-08.
This year, as in the previous years, the Government, through Teachers Recruitment Board, has recruited 1,023 candidates, including 718 men and 305 women, the release said.
Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, at a function organised by the Higher Education Department, distributed appointment orders to the selected candidates.
Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin, Minister for Higher Education K Pondumudi and Higher Education Secretary Ganesam were present on the occasion.
All those who were selected would be given one month orientation to ensure quality education to the students. The orientation scheme was the first of its kind in the country, the release added.
-source NEWKERALA.COM
Projects worth Rs 1,500 cr get govt nod
Tamil Nadu government gave administrative sanction to the Chennai Corporation’s several projects worth Rs 1,500 crore, to be carried out under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), Mayor M Subramanian said.
Speaking to Express at Ripon Building here the Mayor said, “Few days ago, the government gave its accent to the projects, which include ambitious Chennai macro and micro drain project (Rs 1447 crore), Ganeshapuram Railway subway (Rs 30 crore), flyover at Mint Junction (Rs 23 crore), modernisation of Communicable Diseases Hospital (CDH), Tondiarpet (Rs 13 crore) and restoration works at Ripon Building and Victoria Public Hall.”
These projects were on policy stages till now and the government’s sanction would help to the Chennai Corporation to go ahead with swift implementation, the Mayor added.
While the Centre will grant 35 per cent of funding for these projects, the state’s component is 15 percent and the remaining cost would be borne by the civic body itself.
Under the ambitious Chennai macro and micro drain project, the civic body along with the Public Works Department has plans for connecting Buckingham Canal, Otteri Nullah, Cooum River and Adyar River to facilitate free flow of surplus rainwater.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
Speaking to Express at Ripon Building here the Mayor said, “Few days ago, the government gave its accent to the projects, which include ambitious Chennai macro and micro drain project (Rs 1447 crore), Ganeshapuram Railway subway (Rs 30 crore), flyover at Mint Junction (Rs 23 crore), modernisation of Communicable Diseases Hospital (CDH), Tondiarpet (Rs 13 crore) and restoration works at Ripon Building and Victoria Public Hall.”
These projects were on policy stages till now and the government’s sanction would help to the Chennai Corporation to go ahead with swift implementation, the Mayor added.
While the Centre will grant 35 per cent of funding for these projects, the state’s component is 15 percent and the remaining cost would be borne by the civic body itself.
Under the ambitious Chennai macro and micro drain project, the civic body along with the Public Works Department has plans for connecting Buckingham Canal, Otteri Nullah, Cooum River and Adyar River to facilitate free flow of surplus rainwater.
-source EXPRESSBUZZ.COM
JSW in Rs 800 cr turbine plant plan in Chennai
After announcing a mammoth Rs 80,000 crore of investments in various steel projects, the JSW group is now lining up huge investments in the energy sector.
JSW Energy, which has a power generation capacity of 800 mw at present, is currently setting up a 3,200 mw super- critical thermal power plant in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra with an investment outlay of Rs 15,000 crore.
In the latest move, Toshiba JSW Turbine and Generator Pvt Ltd (Toshiba JSW), its joint venture with electronic goods major Toshiba Corporation of Japan, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a facility to manufacture and market steam turbines and generators.
The plant, to be located near Chennai, will take an investment of Rs 800 crore, the company said. The MoU allows Toshiba JSW to lease land for the construction of manufacturing facilities on a site in Chennai, it stated.
"Facility construction is scheduled to start this month, and manufacturing is expected to start in January 2011. Keihin Operations, Toshiba's power equipment production facility in Yokohama, will support Toshiba JSW in ramping up manufacturing, and in working toward establishing an independent production scale of 3,000 mw a year," Itaru Ishibashi, managing director of Toshiba JSW, said.
The venture expects sales of Rs 2,000 crore by March 2015.
S S Rao, director of Toshiba JSW and joint managing director and CEO of JSW Energy, said the company will start recruitments now and have 500 employees by 2014.
Toshiba holds 75% ownership rights in the JV, established in September last year, with JSW Energy holding 20% and JSW Steel the rest.
Jindal said the group is looking to raise Rs 5,000 crore from the stock market to fund its projects.
Going by the national electricity plan, demand for power generation equipment is likely to see a growth of 15,000-16,000 mw a year over the next decade. Coal-fired thermal power stations will account for over 60% of the capacity growth and 80% of those power stations will be highly efficient super-critical thermal power plants.
-source DNAINDIA.COM
JSW Energy, which has a power generation capacity of 800 mw at present, is currently setting up a 3,200 mw super- critical thermal power plant in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra with an investment outlay of Rs 15,000 crore.
In the latest move, Toshiba JSW Turbine and Generator Pvt Ltd (Toshiba JSW), its joint venture with electronic goods major Toshiba Corporation of Japan, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a facility to manufacture and market steam turbines and generators.
The plant, to be located near Chennai, will take an investment of Rs 800 crore, the company said. The MoU allows Toshiba JSW to lease land for the construction of manufacturing facilities on a site in Chennai, it stated.
"Facility construction is scheduled to start this month, and manufacturing is expected to start in January 2011. Keihin Operations, Toshiba's power equipment production facility in Yokohama, will support Toshiba JSW in ramping up manufacturing, and in working toward establishing an independent production scale of 3,000 mw a year," Itaru Ishibashi, managing director of Toshiba JSW, said.
The venture expects sales of Rs 2,000 crore by March 2015.
S S Rao, director of Toshiba JSW and joint managing director and CEO of JSW Energy, said the company will start recruitments now and have 500 employees by 2014.
Toshiba holds 75% ownership rights in the JV, established in September last year, with JSW Energy holding 20% and JSW Steel the rest.
Jindal said the group is looking to raise Rs 5,000 crore from the stock market to fund its projects.
Going by the national electricity plan, demand for power generation equipment is likely to see a growth of 15,000-16,000 mw a year over the next decade. Coal-fired thermal power stations will account for over 60% of the capacity growth and 80% of those power stations will be highly efficient super-critical thermal power plants.
-source DNAINDIA.COM
Friday, July 3, 2009
Bus depots to turn malls, MTC to run feeder service for Metro
If the transport department's plans to modernise and integrate bus depots with the upcoming Metro Rail take off, it could change the way
you traveland the face of the city.
According to an ambitious plan for which the feasibility report is likely to be ready by Friday, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus depots in the city could soon transform into malls which also offer bus services, especially to the nearest Metro Rail station. While the MTC would continue to ferry passenger across the city, it would redefine itself as more of a feeder service for Metro Rail than a mass carrier.
The department is planning to change a few of the depots -- T Nagar, Chindadiripet and Tiruvanmiyur to start with -- into malls with ample parking area. A feasibility study by the Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TUFIDCO) for the plan is in the final stages, sources in the transport department told The Times Of India.
TUFIDCO will also table different feasible revenue models. It can be a combination of public-private or public-public partnerships. First we will be giving an expression of interest for development of bus stands and the later part will be decided after we get a response, said transport secretary Atulya Misra said.
The plan for modernisation of bus depots was evolved after analysing the role of MTC post the induction of Metro Rail in the city. As the MTC transforms itself as a feeder service for Metro Rail passengers, bus depots will become transit points for passengers, who can park their vehicles in the bus depot before heading for work. On their way back, they can do a bit of shopping or have a bite before picking up the vehicle to go home. Authorities expect the profile of the average MTC passenger could also change after the introduction of Metro Rail.
"We are looking at redefining the lifestyle of bus passengers. People are now most comfortable to shop at places en route their house from work place and we plan to tap that. Once Metro Rail comes, many office- goers would stop using their cars and two-wheelers," Misra said.
The transport department has submitted a list of their properties inside the city to TUFIDCO. "All our properties may not have the potential to be developed as malls, but a few of them could be," Misra said, adding that the plans will help the department perform better while sustaining public transport as an affordable service.
-source from TIMESOFINDIA
you traveland the face of the city.
According to an ambitious plan for which the feasibility report is likely to be ready by Friday, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus depots in the city could soon transform into malls which also offer bus services, especially to the nearest Metro Rail station. While the MTC would continue to ferry passenger across the city, it would redefine itself as more of a feeder service for Metro Rail than a mass carrier.
The department is planning to change a few of the depots -- T Nagar, Chindadiripet and Tiruvanmiyur to start with -- into malls with ample parking area. A feasibility study by the Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TUFIDCO) for the plan is in the final stages, sources in the transport department told The Times Of India.
TUFIDCO will also table different feasible revenue models. It can be a combination of public-private or public-public partnerships. First we will be giving an expression of interest for development of bus stands and the later part will be decided after we get a response, said transport secretary Atulya Misra said.
The plan for modernisation of bus depots was evolved after analysing the role of MTC post the induction of Metro Rail in the city. As the MTC transforms itself as a feeder service for Metro Rail passengers, bus depots will become transit points for passengers, who can park their vehicles in the bus depot before heading for work. On their way back, they can do a bit of shopping or have a bite before picking up the vehicle to go home. Authorities expect the profile of the average MTC passenger could also change after the introduction of Metro Rail.
"We are looking at redefining the lifestyle of bus passengers. People are now most comfortable to shop at places en route their house from work place and we plan to tap that. Once Metro Rail comes, many office- goers would stop using their cars and two-wheelers," Misra said.
The transport department has submitted a list of their properties inside the city to TUFIDCO. "All our properties may not have the potential to be developed as malls, but a few of them could be," Misra said, adding that the plans will help the department perform better while sustaining public transport as an affordable service.
-source from TIMESOFINDIA
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Work on elevated road along the coast will begin shortly
The first phase of an elevated road connecting Light House and East Coast Road (ECR) is set to start with the submission of final feasibility report by Wilbur Smith Associates, consultants to the project.
The final alignment of the 9.7-km elevated road via Besant Nagar was approved in 2008.
The 4.7-km linking Light House and Besant Nagar will constitute the first phase and cost Rs.430 crore.
The report states that the proposed road will improve connectivity to ECR from the city centre and provide easy traffic mobility. The entire road will be elevated with a vertical clearance of 5.5metres.
It will begin from Kamaraj Salai near the Gandhi Statue, turn east before the Light House building and run along the existing Santhome Road up to Srinivaspuram.
It will cross the Adyar Estuary to the west of the existing broken bridge, run through the eastern side of the Theosophical Society campus, reach Urur Kuppam and join Besant Nagar 5th Avenue Road near Elliots Beach.
In the second phase, the elevated road will be extended over Besant Nagar Beach Road. It will turn east near the Velankanni Church to join the beach and run parallel to the coast up to Kottivakkam Kuppam before joining ECR.
The feasibility report states that the first phase of the proposed road project will affect 529 houses, 14 commercial buildings and 3 religious buildings.
It will also impact the environmentally sensitive Adyar estuary, which has been demarcated as a bird sanctuary by the State Forest Department, and Olive Turtle breeding grounds along the corridor. The report states that fishermen’s villages will be affected temporarily.
-source from THE HINDU
Subways, bridges beautification work on
As part of its efforts to make subways and bridges bright and colourful, the Chennai Corporation has commenced beautification work on several such facilities.
It recently issued the work order for the beautification of a pedestrian footpath on a bridge on Binny Road and the work has commenced.
As part of the Rs.14.90-lakh work, the civic body plans to replace the hand railing with a wall, paste colourful tiles and relay the footpath. The bridge, which is nearly 50 years old, was last widened in 1993. Hundreds of pedestrians, particularly students of colleges, use the bridge over the Cooum connecting Binny Road and Ethiraj Salai.
The side walls of Parthasarathy Bridge, situated in Mint, would be covered with large tiles.
Though glazed tiles are being pasted in other bridges, the civic body has gone for bigger tiles as the area to be covered is quite large. The estimated project cost would be Rs.46.91 lakh and tenders opened on Friday, an official of Chennai Corporation said.
A pedestrian subway near Kannagi Statue on Kamarajar Salai would be renovated using granite slabs on the side walls and the floor. Additional lighting and new stainless steel hand rails are also to be provided under the Rs.33.60-lakh project.
For the proposed greening of space beneath the flyover on G.N. Chetty Road, bids received from various contractors are being scrutinised. The project is estimated to cost Rs.7.35 lakh.
Work on the beautification of a vehicular subway at Nelson Manickam Road in Nungambakkam at the cost of Rs.35 lakh using glazed tiles depicting the culture and heritage of the State is in progress.
An official of the Corporation said that the beautification efforts were part of the measures to make travelling a little more pleasurable for the residents. Mayor M. Subramanian had announced these works in the budget for this fiscal.
It recently issued the work order for the beautification of a pedestrian footpath on a bridge on Binny Road and the work has commenced.
As part of the Rs.14.90-lakh work, the civic body plans to replace the hand railing with a wall, paste colourful tiles and relay the footpath. The bridge, which is nearly 50 years old, was last widened in 1993. Hundreds of pedestrians, particularly students of colleges, use the bridge over the Cooum connecting Binny Road and Ethiraj Salai.
The side walls of Parthasarathy Bridge, situated in Mint, would be covered with large tiles.
Though glazed tiles are being pasted in other bridges, the civic body has gone for bigger tiles as the area to be covered is quite large. The estimated project cost would be Rs.46.91 lakh and tenders opened on Friday, an official of Chennai Corporation said.
A pedestrian subway near Kannagi Statue on Kamarajar Salai would be renovated using granite slabs on the side walls and the floor. Additional lighting and new stainless steel hand rails are also to be provided under the Rs.33.60-lakh project.
For the proposed greening of space beneath the flyover on G.N. Chetty Road, bids received from various contractors are being scrutinised. The project is estimated to cost Rs.7.35 lakh.
Work on the beautification of a vehicular subway at Nelson Manickam Road in Nungambakkam at the cost of Rs.35 lakh using glazed tiles depicting the culture and heritage of the State is in progress.
An official of the Corporation said that the beautification efforts were part of the measures to make travelling a little more pleasurable for the residents. Mayor M. Subramanian had announced these works in the budget for this fiscal.
Bus driving simulator inaugurated at chennai
The Transport Department’s responsibility extended beyond buying and maintaining buses and included training of drivers and ensuring road safety, Transport Minister K.N. Nehru said here on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inauguration of the “Bus driving simulator” at the Institute of Road Transport (IRT), Mr. Nehru said that drivers were at fault in nearly 80 per cent of all road accidents.
To reduce the number of accidents, the government had set up driver training schools in 17 places.
The government was now setting up bus driving simulators to provide drivers with standardised training under different traffic and climate conditions, which would ultimately help reduce the number of road accidents, he said.
For driving trainees
The simulator on the IRT campus would be used to train fresh driving trainees and drivers of State-owned transport corporations, especially those who were considered “accident-prone,” could also be given refresher courses, officials at the IRT said. Four such simulators, developed by the “mini ratna” public sector unit BEML at a cost of about Rs.1.4-crore each, were being set up in the State at Chennai, Tiruchi, Madurai and Pollachi.
While the Tiruchi simulator was inaugurated in early June, the others would become functional soon.
Functioning
Providing details of the functioning of the simulator, institute officials said it could be set up for different weather conditions such as snow, dust, clear sky, heavy rain, and for different traffic and road conditions.
The realistic simulation provided six degrees of freedom to simulate pitching and tossing of the vehicle.
There was also a facility to measure the time taken and distance travelled by drivers to stop the vehicle in emergency situations.
These measurements would be helpful especially in training accident-prone drivers identified by State-owned transport corporations, the officials said.
Mr. Nehru was accompanied by Labour Minister T.M. Anbarasan, Transport Secretary Atulya Mishra and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly V.P. Duraisamy.
After trying out the simulator, Mr. Nehru left for Chromepet in connection with the setting up of the Transport Academy, which he said would be functional in the near future.
Lift at Nungambakkam foot overbridge soon
The Chennai Corporation is expected to throw open to the public the lift to the foot over bridge (FOB) on Nungambakkam High Road in a
fortnight, according to commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni.
The FOB, costing an estimated Rs 65 lakh, will help pedestrians cross the busy road without problem. It came up in 2001 from the MPLAD funds of the late Murasoli Maran but saw poor patronage. Reason: The steps were very steep and beggars and alcoholics had made it their home.
Said Lakhoni: "Our aim is to help elderly citizens take the lift and move onto the other side easily." The civil works that began a few months ago are nearing completion and lift cars will be installed on either side of the FOB soon.
The lift's concrete chamber, costing Rs 17 lakh, is approximately 6.2 m high. A maximum of 12 persons can travel at a time in each of the lift cars. Corporation staff, according to the plan, will operate the cars for one month before leaving it to the public to operate on their own. "In case of power failure or other defects, people need not panic. The automated system has been built in such a way that it will reach the nearest exit mode at once," said Lakhoni.
The continuous flow of traffic on Nungambakkam High Road, home to numerous establishments, compelled the local body to provide a lift to the FOB there. Based on the success rate, the corporation plans to provide a lift to its proposed project on Taluk Office Road in Saidapet. "It is dangerous to drive a car on this stretch, it is a good idea that the corporation has thought about pedestrian safety finally," said businessman G Kalyan Kumar.
A few months ago, the traffic police sent a wish-list to the corporation seeking FOBs in such places as Saidapet, Teynampet, DMS, Chamiers Road, Chindadripet, Wallajah Road and Spencers on Anna Salai, near the Chennai Central railway station and at the Nelson Manickam Road-Poonamallee High Road junction.
-source from TIMES OF INDIA
JUSCO bags water distribution contract in Chennai
The Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company Limited (JUSCO), a 100 per cent subsidiary of Tata Steel, has bagged a contract for remodelling water distribution network in Chennai.
The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has awarded the contract, worth Rs 18.37 crore, for remodelling the water distribution network, the head of corporate communications, JUSCO, Rajesh Rajan, said here on Thursday.
As per the 18-month contract, JUSCO would undertake surveying water mains condition, renewal of 42,000 house service connection and various other works.
The project, slated to begin by the month-end, is spread across 38 divisions in five zones - Anna Nagar, Perambur, T Nagar, Chetpet and New Avadi Road.
The contract would have to be executed by September 2010.
Regarding the funding pattern, Rajan said 35 per cent would come from the Union Ministry of Urban Development, while the Tamil Nadu government would share 15 per cent under JNURM.
The rest 50 per cent would be borne by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
Last year, JUSCO secured the contract for India's largest water supply operation and management (O & M) project worth Rs 162 crore in Mysore, Karnataka.
-source from THE HINDU
The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has awarded the contract, worth Rs 18.37 crore, for remodelling the water distribution network, the head of corporate communications, JUSCO, Rajesh Rajan, said here on Thursday.
As per the 18-month contract, JUSCO would undertake surveying water mains condition, renewal of 42,000 house service connection and various other works.
The project, slated to begin by the month-end, is spread across 38 divisions in five zones - Anna Nagar, Perambur, T Nagar, Chetpet and New Avadi Road.
The contract would have to be executed by September 2010.
Regarding the funding pattern, Rajan said 35 per cent would come from the Union Ministry of Urban Development, while the Tamil Nadu government would share 15 per cent under JNURM.
The rest 50 per cent would be borne by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
Last year, JUSCO secured the contract for India's largest water supply operation and management (O & M) project worth Rs 162 crore in Mysore, Karnataka.
-source from THE HINDU
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Civic body plans big for Chennai
The Council meeting of the Chennai Corporation on Tuesday discussed a wide range of issues and projects, which, if implemented in a proper way, would make the city a model for other Corporations.
The civic body announced that the ban on plastics on the Marina Beach, as announced in its budget for this fiscal, would come into force from 15 August.
.
Speaking to reporters, Mayor M Subramanian said that beach beautification work was almost over and the civil works completed. The greening work is under way.
The Council also adopted a resolution requesting the Collector to transfer a portion of government land on Queen Mary’s College campus for setting up a bus bay and a splay at the junction of Dr Radhakrishnan Salai and Kamarajar Salai.
He said that the Corporation planned to float tenders calling for artists to paint walls of government property on Kamarajar Salai and Anna Salai, where it had banned posters and banners.
Stating that digital banners could be put up with the permission of the civic body and police for three days before and two days after any function, the Mayor said if the persons concerned did not remove the banners on their own, the Corporation and police would take steps to do so.
The civic body would issue a show cause notice to private conservancy agency Neel Metal Fanalca (NMF), asking it why its contract should not be terminated, following complaints about the performance of the agency, the Mayor said.
The Council meeting approved the cost estimates for construction of two bridges over the Otteri Nullah and one across the Captain Cotton Canal.
The bridge over the Nullah at Narasimha Nagar - M S Nagar (Zone 3) will come up at an estimated cost of Rs.2.37 crore, while the facility in Zone 5, ward 67 linking A-Block and B-Block will cost Rs.2.52 crore.The proposed facility across the Captain Cotton Canal (Zones 1 and 3) will connect Krishnamurthi Nagar and M K B Nagar, at an estimated cost of Rs.3.97 crore.
On the issue of traffic pile ups at the junction of Harrington Road and Spurtank Road, Subramanian said that the civic body would consider construction of a flyover at the junction. The proposed bridge would come up in an east-north alignment.
-source from NEWS TODAY
Hogenakkal project will see light of day in 2012: Stalin
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin today told the state Assembly the Rupees 1,334 crore Hogenakkal drinking water project, aimed at providing drinking water to the fluoride-affected Dharmapuri and Krishangiri districts, would be completed by 2012.
Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, he said the project was going on right track and would be completed by 2012.
He said efforts would be made to complete the project ahead of schedule on the lines of the Ramanathapuram Drinking Water Project.
Mr Stalin said Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had put the project on hold last year only to avoid any confusion or violence at that time as assembly elections were due in Karnataka. The project was now on track and was expected to be completed by 2012, he added.
The project involved providing quality drinking water to the people of Dharmpuri and Krishnagiri by drawing the Cauvery waters flowing through the Tamil Nadu side.
However, objections were raised by Karnataka and the project was temproarily put on hold by the Tamil Nadu government as Assembly polls were due in Karnataka last year.
Mr Stalin said he had personally visited Japan to secure financial assistance from the Japanese Bank of International Cooperation.
''Tenders for the first phase of the work have been issued and the work is scheduled to start in the next three or four months.
Steps would be taken to complete the project ahead of schedule.
Mr Stalin also announced that the state government would hike minimum wages for beneficiaries under the National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme(NREGS) from Rs 80 to Rs 100.
Necessary changes would be made in accordance with the Minimum Wages Act.
He said the present wage of Rs 80 was fixed four years back and the government would take steps to hike it to Rs 100.
He also announced that one lakh new women self-help groups (SHGs) would be formed in the next two years.
-source from NEWKERALA.COM
Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, he said the project was going on right track and would be completed by 2012.
He said efforts would be made to complete the project ahead of schedule on the lines of the Ramanathapuram Drinking Water Project.
Mr Stalin said Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had put the project on hold last year only to avoid any confusion or violence at that time as assembly elections were due in Karnataka. The project was now on track and was expected to be completed by 2012, he added.
The project involved providing quality drinking water to the people of Dharmpuri and Krishnagiri by drawing the Cauvery waters flowing through the Tamil Nadu side.
However, objections were raised by Karnataka and the project was temproarily put on hold by the Tamil Nadu government as Assembly polls were due in Karnataka last year.
Mr Stalin said he had personally visited Japan to secure financial assistance from the Japanese Bank of International Cooperation.
''Tenders for the first phase of the work have been issued and the work is scheduled to start in the next three or four months.
Steps would be taken to complete the project ahead of schedule.
Mr Stalin also announced that the state government would hike minimum wages for beneficiaries under the National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme(NREGS) from Rs 80 to Rs 100.
Necessary changes would be made in accordance with the Minimum Wages Act.
He said the present wage of Rs 80 was fixed four years back and the government would take steps to hike it to Rs 100.
He also announced that one lakh new women self-help groups (SHGs) would be formed in the next two years.
-source from NEWKERALA.COM
Eco-friendly bamboo resort set up at Mahabalipuram
An unique eco-friendly bamboo resort has been set up at Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram district to promote medical tourism.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has built the resort along with some private partners in order to attract foreign tourists for various Ayurvedic and medical treatments.
"This resort is made up of bamboo is particularly under medical tourism to tap foreigners to take all Ayurvedic and medical treatments," said Siva Ramakrishna, Physician And Managing Director of Ayurveda College.
The resort offers Ayurvedic treatment and rejuvenation therapy, including Ayurvedic pancha karma treatment, acupressure, yoga and meditation.
Apart from that guests can enjoy steam bath and swimming pool, they can also avail the exclusive bamboo restaurant.
"Previously we had about 35 cottages and now with some renovated cottage it has been raised to 75. We are already having swimming pool, -vegetarian, non -vegetarian, Chinese restaurant- and some exclusive facilities for our guests," said Ravi, Public Affairs Manager, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.
The construction of cottages at Mahabalipuram had commenced about seven months ago and the work was completed within a month.
Depending upon the success, the concept would be introduced at the hill stations and other important destinations across the state.
-source from NEWKERALA.COM
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has built the resort along with some private partners in order to attract foreign tourists for various Ayurvedic and medical treatments.
"This resort is made up of bamboo is particularly under medical tourism to tap foreigners to take all Ayurvedic and medical treatments," said Siva Ramakrishna, Physician And Managing Director of Ayurveda College.
The resort offers Ayurvedic treatment and rejuvenation therapy, including Ayurvedic pancha karma treatment, acupressure, yoga and meditation.
Apart from that guests can enjoy steam bath and swimming pool, they can also avail the exclusive bamboo restaurant.
"Previously we had about 35 cottages and now with some renovated cottage it has been raised to 75. We are already having swimming pool, -vegetarian, non -vegetarian, Chinese restaurant- and some exclusive facilities for our guests," said Ravi, Public Affairs Manager, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.
The construction of cottages at Mahabalipuram had commenced about seven months ago and the work was completed within a month.
Depending upon the success, the concept would be introduced at the hill stations and other important destinations across the state.
-source from NEWKERALA.COM
E-governance to be implemented in TN ration shops
State-run Electronics Corp of Tamil Nadu Ltd (ELCOT) will soon cover around 28,000 public distribution shops in the state under its e-governance initiative, a top official said here today.
"Currently implemented in around 210 shops, the electronic billing project will be shortly extended to other outlets in the states," ELCOT chairman Santhosh Babu told reporters.
As per the system, the shop keeper will feed in the purchase details in the hand-held device and thereby convert the data to electronic format.(IANS)
-source from HEADLINE INDIA.COM
"Currently implemented in around 210 shops, the electronic billing project will be shortly extended to other outlets in the states," ELCOT chairman Santhosh Babu told reporters.
As per the system, the shop keeper will feed in the purchase details in the hand-held device and thereby convert the data to electronic format.(IANS)
-source from HEADLINE INDIA.COM
Chennai gets Black Cat commandos
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said the regional hubs of National Security Guards would raise the level of preparedness to meet terror attacks and respond with swift military action in any part of the country.
The security of the country was foremost in the mind of the Central government and the newly inaugurated NSG hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata would create a sense of awareness on the need for citizens to be vigilant against terrorism, he said.
Speaking to media persons after the inauguration of Chennai hub of the NSG at Police Training School in Ashok Nagar, the Home Minister said the government has kept the deadline to operationalise the NSG hubs by 30 June. While the Mumbai hub came into being on Tuesday, the other NSG centres in Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata were being inaugurated today by Chidambaram.
Chennai hub of NSG would cover the entire Tamilnadu and nearby areas in combating terror in coordination with the local police, he said. Consisting of 241 members of highly-trained and motivated force, the NSG would also train State police in meeting the security and contingency requirements.
Further, the Control Room of the State police would be used to step up coordination with the NSG hub in Chennai, the Minister said. The NSG commandos have the right to seize aircraft during their rescue missions and modern equipment including facilities like choppers would be provided to them.
He informed that depending on the funds allocated for the internal security in the forthcoming Budget, more steps would be taken up by the Home Ministry to combat terrorism.
Recalling the Centre has been working with State government for the last 6-7 months to set up regional hubs of NSG, he said in the next phase this facility would be extended other major cities. Besides, an Army special force in Jodhpur and BSF hub in Guwahati would come up shortly, he said. Under the Mega City Policing scheme, choppers would also be provided for the local police for maintaining security.
With headquarters at Manesar in Haryana, the NSG hubs would have a troop strength of 241 each, but in due course depending on the need the number would be raised, said Chidambaram. At present being accommodated at the Police Training School, the NSG would move to Nedungundram, a suburb in Kancheepuram district, once permanent structures were built by National Building Construction Company (NBCC). The State government has given 85 acres free of cost for building and other infrastructure to house the NSG team.
NSG director general N P S Aulakh expressed hope the elite force would be shifted to the new facility at Nedungundram by November 2009. Giving the opening address, he said after the Mumbai attacks a need was felt to create regional hubs of NSG to ensure a quicker response to tackle such threats in future. NSG hubs would help in achieving the operational efficiency in combating terrorism, he said.
However, Aulakh stressed on the need for a coordinated response by all state authorities and security agencies which was an important prerequisite to tackle the war on terror successfully. Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin, State DGP K P Jain, senior police officers, MPs and MLAs were also present at the raising ceremony of the NSG hub in Chennai.
-source from NEWS TODAY
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