GCC plans civic infra to improve air quality

CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has made the decision to construct civic infrastructure projects, such as LPG crematoriums, non-motorized transport infrastructure, and mechanisation of road sweeping to improve air quality in the polluted zones of the city. The Central Pollution Control Board officials conducted a field visit to these zones and inspected areas for more such projects to be developed.

An official from the GCC mentioned that they have developed many fountains and many more will be installed at the road junctions which will help in curbing air pollution. He further added, “The zones, such as Manali, Ambattur, and Tiruvottiyur are polluted. GCC is planning to implement more projects such as setting up of fountains, development of greenery along road medians, and improvement of road sweeping mechanisation to improve air quality.”

The officials of GCC and the Central Pollution Control Board inspected the skywalk in T. Nagar to assess the impact on air quality in the commercial area. “Traffic congestion will reduce because of the skywalk. Once traffic congestion is reduced, the pollution by vehicles will reduce along the stretch. We will propose more skywalks along congested roads to improve air quality,” said an official.

In order to increase non-motorised transportation, Chennai Corporation will also identify congested areas of the city. According to estimates, skywalks with multi-modal integration have been suggested in more than four crowded locations including the localities of Guindy and Washermenpet.

Proposals for these projects including door-to-door clearance of garbage, bio-mining, road sweeping, and conversion of crematoriums to LPG crematoriums will be sent to the government soon.