Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 01 Aug 2011 08:57:37 AM IST
CHENNAI: Armed with a long list of requests and grievances, the unit holders of Ambattur Industrial Estate held an interaction with Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (TANSIDCO) Limited Chairman, Mohan Pyare.
The meeting was organised by Chennai Auto Ancillary Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Company (CAAIIUC), ahead of the inauguration of completed infrastructure upgradation works, including a sewage treatment plant, a model road and a pay and use toilet. Officials from Ambattur Municipality and Public Works Dept (PWD) were also present.
Director of CAAIIUC, V Raju, said one of the major problems they faced was that of handling waste. Transforming the estate into a zero-waste zone as desired by R Ramasubbu, District Environmental Engineer (DEE), was an uphill task. He said, “This estate is nearly 50 years old. Giving us the examples of MEPZ, which is a smaller and more planned area, and expecting us to implement the same idea here is difficult.”
The DEE had suggested that the Ambattur estate lay pipelines and get their effluent treated to be reused in their respective factories. This was discussed in a previous interaction held in May this year. It faced heavy opposition at that point, and the unit holders continue to request that this plan be scrapped.
Ramasubbu said, “You can use the treated water for greenery and toilet purposes. Do not dump it in the Korattur Lake.” But the members are not convinced, and insist that workers would be unwilling to use such water, not to mention the cost involved in transporting water to and from the treatment plant.
Former presidents of the CAAIIUC gave their suggestions regarding disposal of the treated water. Pyare said that a decision could not be reached immediately, but the issue would be looked into with adequate inputs from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
Other major items on the agenda were the building of a common effluent treatment plant, which the North and South Phase industries could use. Pyare said, “If it is a viable solution according to the TNPCB, we will take this up immediately.” He also said that he would look into building a common testing facility, which was in the original layout, but was never built. This would help in the calibration of equipment.
The Ambattur Municipal Commissioner faced some tough questions, as the forum asked why the Municipality was not doing its basic function when all the industries were paying their property taxes and all other dues on time. Being new to the post, he promised to ensure that the garbage was cleared on time and that liquid waste from factories would not be dumped into storm water drains. “Anyone found dumping waste illegally will be warned the first time. If found violating again, the vehicle will be seized,” he said.
Other issues on the table included the ownership of unoccupied land, encroachers and unauthorised street vendors inside the estate. Pyare said that these would be clarified once he had an idea of land ownership. He ruled out setting up shop for the vendors and asked the members to suggest ways to remove them.
About the impending monsoon, Raju said, “Every year we shut down the industries for a minimum of 15 days due to the flooding in the estate. When will this end?” This was directed at the PWD officials, who said that desilting work would be done before the rains started.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Women IT professionals are discriminated
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 27 Jun 2011 08:31:32 AM IST
CHENNAI: A young working woman being verbally and physically assaulted by self-appointed moral police in Kochi has raised questions regarding the safety of women in the IT sector. Chennai is considered a safe zone, and many women attest this fact. At the same time, some have had unpleasant experiences. A woman or young girl with unusual work timing is frowned upon not only by family members but also by the general public. The situation gets worse when she is married.
Most women are opting for earlier shifts to leave before dark, especially if they live in distant areas. Cab services have to be requisitioned, which is a lengthy process.
Bus services are infrequent at night, and auto rickshaws tend to charge more than the usual night rate if they figure out that the woman is from an IT firm. Few choose to use their two wheelers or cars.
A company tag is the cue shopkeepers need to automatically quote a ‘special’ price for them. Landlords say that if these girls can spend their salary on going out and having fun, they could pay higher rents. The people of Chennai may not openly show their disapproval, but the subtle ways in which it is expressed takes a toll on these otherwise- confident and independent women.
Girls living with their parents feel that telling their parents about incidents of harassment will curb their independence. They ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Lodging a complaint is too much of a hassle, they say. The best way is to get used to the stares and murmurs.
Last Updated : 27 Jun 2011 08:31:32 AM IST
CHENNAI: A young working woman being verbally and physically assaulted by self-appointed moral police in Kochi has raised questions regarding the safety of women in the IT sector. Chennai is considered a safe zone, and many women attest this fact. At the same time, some have had unpleasant experiences. A woman or young girl with unusual work timing is frowned upon not only by family members but also by the general public. The situation gets worse when she is married.
Most women are opting for earlier shifts to leave before dark, especially if they live in distant areas. Cab services have to be requisitioned, which is a lengthy process.
Bus services are infrequent at night, and auto rickshaws tend to charge more than the usual night rate if they figure out that the woman is from an IT firm. Few choose to use their two wheelers or cars.
A company tag is the cue shopkeepers need to automatically quote a ‘special’ price for them. Landlords say that if these girls can spend their salary on going out and having fun, they could pay higher rents. The people of Chennai may not openly show their disapproval, but the subtle ways in which it is expressed takes a toll on these otherwise- confident and independent women.
Girls living with their parents feel that telling their parents about incidents of harassment will curb their independence. They ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Lodging a complaint is too much of a hassle, they say. The best way is to get used to the stares and murmurs.
Roof of the right wing of GPO caves in
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 06 Nov 2011 08:50:37 AM IST
CHENNAI: The heavy rains in Chennai have brought down the roof of the city’s General Post Office, located in Parry’s Corner.
The roof of the right wing of the 226-year-old heritage building came crashing down owing to the downpour at 1.45 pm on Saturday. No one was injured, as the wing was abandoned and no longer in use. The area was cordoned off to prevent further mishaps.
Chief Postmaster General of Tamil Nadu Circle, Shanti Nair, inspected the building around 5 pm. She took a tour of the entire building, and identified problem areas. Speaking to Express, she said, “The debris will be cleared and repairs made. Since it is a heritage building, we are careful, and are constantly making repairs. Our electrical engineer has also suggested some work that has to be done. The safety of the staff is foremost.” When asked if the GPO would be shifted due to structural and safety concerns, Shanti Nair said that the situation was not so bad as to change offices, but more care would be taken to maintain the building. She was accompanied by Assistant PMG RP Chitra Devi during her inspection.
Express News Service
Last Updated : 06 Nov 2011 08:50:37 AM IST
CHENNAI: The heavy rains in Chennai have brought down the roof of the city’s General Post Office, located in Parry’s Corner.
The roof of the right wing of the 226-year-old heritage building came crashing down owing to the downpour at 1.45 pm on Saturday. No one was injured, as the wing was abandoned and no longer in use. The area was cordoned off to prevent further mishaps.
Chief Postmaster General of Tamil Nadu Circle, Shanti Nair, inspected the building around 5 pm. She took a tour of the entire building, and identified problem areas. Speaking to Express, she said, “The debris will be cleared and repairs made. Since it is a heritage building, we are careful, and are constantly making repairs. Our electrical engineer has also suggested some work that has to be done. The safety of the staff is foremost.” When asked if the GPO would be shifted due to structural and safety concerns, Shanti Nair said that the situation was not so bad as to change offices, but more care would be taken to maintain the building. She was accompanied by Assistant PMG RP Chitra Devi during her inspection.
Woefully inadequate public toilets
Susanna Lazarus
Last Updated : 17 May 2011 07:07:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: On the streets of Kosapet, ramshackle dwellings abound. Most houses do not have toilets and bathrooms, and are forced to rely on the public facilities that have been provided by external agencies.
But the condition of three such public toilets in the area, one of which is pay and use, are terrible.
The women’s portion in two of the places had no roof cover. There is no privacy; the houses around being higher than the building housing the conveniences. Only one of the buildings had a light bulb. In the other two, only fixtures remained.
“There are no lights in the men’s portion either,” said Srinivas, caretaker of the toilet on Sachidhanandam Street.
“It is difficult for the women and children to use the toilet after dark,” he added. The blue sheet roofing is caving in, and there are leaves in the water trough.
The toilet on Arunachalam Street is a pay and use facility. The money is collected by Kamala, who has taken the contract for the building.
“More than a hundred people use this place every day. The charges are Rs 10 for washing clothes, Rs 5 for bathing and Rs 2 for toilet purposes.”
Annapoorani, a worker from the anganwadi, says, “The toilet is unusable. The women’s portion is adjacent to the men’s, and the ventilators offer an unwanted view.”
A toilet in the interior of Kosapet has cobwebs strung across the doors, showing the disuse. The floors are broken. Immediately next to the building is a house offering a direct view from the terrace.
None of the toilets have individual taps, although connections have been provided.
The toilets come under Zone VII, although there is no indication on any of the toilets in the area.
All three conveniences mentioned are within walking distance from Corporation Ward No. 101 office.
Last Updated : 17 May 2011 07:07:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: On the streets of Kosapet, ramshackle dwellings abound. Most houses do not have toilets and bathrooms, and are forced to rely on the public facilities that have been provided by external agencies.
But the condition of three such public toilets in the area, one of which is pay and use, are terrible.
The women’s portion in two of the places had no roof cover. There is no privacy; the houses around being higher than the building housing the conveniences. Only one of the buildings had a light bulb. In the other two, only fixtures remained.
“There are no lights in the men’s portion either,” said Srinivas, caretaker of the toilet on Sachidhanandam Street.
“It is difficult for the women and children to use the toilet after dark,” he added. The blue sheet roofing is caving in, and there are leaves in the water trough.
The toilet on Arunachalam Street is a pay and use facility. The money is collected by Kamala, who has taken the contract for the building.
“More than a hundred people use this place every day. The charges are Rs 10 for washing clothes, Rs 5 for bathing and Rs 2 for toilet purposes.”
Annapoorani, a worker from the anganwadi, says, “The toilet is unusable. The women’s portion is adjacent to the men’s, and the ventilators offer an unwanted view.”
A toilet in the interior of Kosapet has cobwebs strung across the doors, showing the disuse. The floors are broken. Immediately next to the building is a house offering a direct view from the terrace.
None of the toilets have individual taps, although connections have been provided.
The toilets come under Zone VII, although there is no indication on any of the toilets in the area.
All three conveniences mentioned are within walking distance from Corporation Ward No. 101 office.
Traffic woes mark Perambur Barracks Road
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 09 Jun 2011 08:25:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: The busy Perambur Barracks Road (PB Road) in Purasawalkam is perennially congested with traffic. No matter the time of the day, bad traffic is a constant.
Numerous buses use this narrow road, causing roadblocks every few minutes.
Two wheelers and cars try to veer around them, only adding to the chaos. Add to this, the lack of policemen on the stretch to direct the vehicles. When City Express visited the stretch on Wednesday morning, traffic policemen were not present on the road till at least 11am.
Purasawalkam being a residential and shopping area, vehicular movement is high at all times. With at least ten schools in the vicinity, traffic comes to a standstill during school hours.
The traffic policeman at the Doveton Junction, who refused to be identified, says, “Traffic is heavy during the morning and slows down later. Afternoons, we have the shopping crowd.
The signal timings have been calculated keeping this in mind.” June Thomas, a long time resident of Velalla Street off PB Road, says, “When I was in school, we would go to the shops ourselves.
Now, it is unthinkable to send my kids onto the road alone.” She also said that the road is too narrow to handle the increasing number of vehicles.
Vanessa Roche, who uses the road every day, says, “People don’t respond when you honk and they cross the road as they please. But there are also no pedestrian crossings for them to use, and barely any pavements to walk on.” She adds that she tries to avoid the road whenever possible, but it is inevitable.
Shopkeepers on the stretch say that customers do not have place to park. The vehicles stop on both sides, constricting the already narrow road.
S Shambu, proprietor of Smith Field Bakery and a resident of the area, says, “Share autos stop wherever they please. They are the biggest problem on this road. It takes nearly 20 minutes to cross this stretch during peak hour.” A one-way was implemented a while ago, redirecting traffic through Rotler Street, but the system was scrapped after a few weeks. Many residents feel that this would ease the problem. The Perambur flyover, which was meant to ease traffic flow on the entire stretch, has not helped PB Road. The junction at the flyover helps traffic from Vyasarpadi and other places.
There seems to be no end to the woes of the residents and commuters of this road. Residents feel that providing pavements and pedestrian crossings can combat the problem. Widening the road seems out of the question, as many shops and buildings along the road would have to be demolished.
Last Updated : 09 Jun 2011 08:25:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: The busy Perambur Barracks Road (PB Road) in Purasawalkam is perennially congested with traffic. No matter the time of the day, bad traffic is a constant.
Numerous buses use this narrow road, causing roadblocks every few minutes.
Two wheelers and cars try to veer around them, only adding to the chaos. Add to this, the lack of policemen on the stretch to direct the vehicles. When City Express visited the stretch on Wednesday morning, traffic policemen were not present on the road till at least 11am.
Purasawalkam being a residential and shopping area, vehicular movement is high at all times. With at least ten schools in the vicinity, traffic comes to a standstill during school hours.
The traffic policeman at the Doveton Junction, who refused to be identified, says, “Traffic is heavy during the morning and slows down later. Afternoons, we have the shopping crowd.
The signal timings have been calculated keeping this in mind.” June Thomas, a long time resident of Velalla Street off PB Road, says, “When I was in school, we would go to the shops ourselves.
Now, it is unthinkable to send my kids onto the road alone.” She also said that the road is too narrow to handle the increasing number of vehicles.
Vanessa Roche, who uses the road every day, says, “People don’t respond when you honk and they cross the road as they please. But there are also no pedestrian crossings for them to use, and barely any pavements to walk on.” She adds that she tries to avoid the road whenever possible, but it is inevitable.
Shopkeepers on the stretch say that customers do not have place to park. The vehicles stop on both sides, constricting the already narrow road.
S Shambu, proprietor of Smith Field Bakery and a resident of the area, says, “Share autos stop wherever they please. They are the biggest problem on this road. It takes nearly 20 minutes to cross this stretch during peak hour.” A one-way was implemented a while ago, redirecting traffic through Rotler Street, but the system was scrapped after a few weeks. Many residents feel that this would ease the problem. The Perambur flyover, which was meant to ease traffic flow on the entire stretch, has not helped PB Road. The junction at the flyover helps traffic from Vyasarpadi and other places.
There seems to be no end to the woes of the residents and commuters of this road. Residents feel that providing pavements and pedestrian crossings can combat the problem. Widening the road seems out of the question, as many shops and buildings along the road would have to be demolished.
City students discover asteroid
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 07 Sep 2011 08:50:20 AM IST
CHENNAI: One might imagine astronomers to be old men with grey hair, pouring over star charts and images of the night sky. But two of Chennai’s very own students have discovered a previously unknown asteroid!.
As part of the All India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC), P Pragatheesh Prabhu and V Praveni of Shri Natesan Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Manivakkam were successful in registering a main belt asteroid discovery (TOV4A9). More than 60 schools participated in the nation wide campaign. The students will be given an opportunity to name the asteroid. This is the second year the campaign has been conducted in India. Organised by the Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE), an NGO, along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), the programme aims at drawing children to the science of astronomy.
Anandha Mani, teacher coordinator of Natesan Vidyalaya, said, “Last year we were taught to operate the software used to analyse the images. Although we did not find anything last year, we are happy to have registered a discovery this year.” A provisional discovery is announced only when there are two additional observations made, followed by the preliminary discovery.
The students were not available to comment, but Pragatheesh’s mother said that her son was ecstatic about the discovery. In a letter to the school, Space group CMD Sachin Bahmba congratulated the participants saying, “These children will eventually become the torch bearers of the scientific temper in the future.”
Last Updated : 07 Sep 2011 08:50:20 AM IST
CHENNAI: One might imagine astronomers to be old men with grey hair, pouring over star charts and images of the night sky. But two of Chennai’s very own students have discovered a previously unknown asteroid!.
As part of the All India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC), P Pragatheesh Prabhu and V Praveni of Shri Natesan Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Manivakkam were successful in registering a main belt asteroid discovery (TOV4A9). More than 60 schools participated in the nation wide campaign. The students will be given an opportunity to name the asteroid. This is the second year the campaign has been conducted in India. Organised by the Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE), an NGO, along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), the programme aims at drawing children to the science of astronomy.
Anandha Mani, teacher coordinator of Natesan Vidyalaya, said, “Last year we were taught to operate the software used to analyse the images. Although we did not find anything last year, we are happy to have registered a discovery this year.” A provisional discovery is announced only when there are two additional observations made, followed by the preliminary discovery.
The students were not available to comment, but Pragatheesh’s mother said that her son was ecstatic about the discovery. In a letter to the school, Space group CMD Sachin Bahmba congratulated the participants saying, “These children will eventually become the torch bearers of the scientific temper in the future.”
Vendors fleece hapless customers in the beaches
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 06 Jun 2011 08:44:52 AM IST
CHENNAI: Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach are popular family hangouts, especially during the summer. But if you think they’re an affordable alternative to expensive malls, you’re in for a rude shock. All food and drink items on both beaches are sold above Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Customers are charged Rs 5 extra for a bottle of water or a packet of chips. A pack of cigarettes also costs Rs 5 more and a single cigarette costs `2 more than its actual price. A shopkeeper bluntly says, “That is just how it is here.” Ice cream vendors along the Marina charge Rs 5 extra on each ice cream. While the actual cost of the popular ones is just Rs 5, customers have to pay twice the amount for one. The same happens at Elliot’s beach, Besant Nagar. It is said that the ice cream carts are taken on contract and the vendors invest in the ice cream. One of the vendors says, “We charge Rs 5 extra to meet the loss for the melting ice candies.
The loss is borne by us, not the contractor.” However, this is not an isolated case. Visitors to any popular public hangouts are subject to paying more than the MRP. Kumar, a customer on the beach, says, “Charging over the MRP is an offense for which the dealer can be punished. But rather than facing the hassle of going to the consumer court and rectifying the situation, people grumble and pay the extra money.” Section 4A of the Weights and Measures Act defines retail sale price as “the maximum price at which the excisable goods in packaged form may be sold to the ultimate consumer and includes all taxes.” But these practices are in violation of the prescribed code. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is to ensure that such malpractices do not occur.
If you find that any shop is over charging, you should first highlight it to the shopkeeper.
If the latter insists on charging the same amount, you can insist on a bill and bring it to the attention of the Department of Legal Metrology. The Inspector of Labour will follow up on the complaint. You can also go to the consumer court.
Speaking about a personal experience in which she had been charged Rs 10 extra for a pack of ice cream, Saroja of Consumer Awareness Group (CAG), says, “The man claimed that the extra money was to cover the cost of cooling. He should not sell ice cream if he cannot pay for the cooling.” As per the Consumer Protection Act, violators can get a one-month long jail sentence or pay a fine up to Rs 10,000.
Last Updated : 06 Jun 2011 08:44:52 AM IST
CHENNAI: Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach are popular family hangouts, especially during the summer. But if you think they’re an affordable alternative to expensive malls, you’re in for a rude shock. All food and drink items on both beaches are sold above Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Customers are charged Rs 5 extra for a bottle of water or a packet of chips. A pack of cigarettes also costs Rs 5 more and a single cigarette costs `2 more than its actual price. A shopkeeper bluntly says, “That is just how it is here.” Ice cream vendors along the Marina charge Rs 5 extra on each ice cream. While the actual cost of the popular ones is just Rs 5, customers have to pay twice the amount for one. The same happens at Elliot’s beach, Besant Nagar. It is said that the ice cream carts are taken on contract and the vendors invest in the ice cream. One of the vendors says, “We charge Rs 5 extra to meet the loss for the melting ice candies.
The loss is borne by us, not the contractor.” However, this is not an isolated case. Visitors to any popular public hangouts are subject to paying more than the MRP. Kumar, a customer on the beach, says, “Charging over the MRP is an offense for which the dealer can be punished. But rather than facing the hassle of going to the consumer court and rectifying the situation, people grumble and pay the extra money.” Section 4A of the Weights and Measures Act defines retail sale price as “the maximum price at which the excisable goods in packaged form may be sold to the ultimate consumer and includes all taxes.” But these practices are in violation of the prescribed code. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is to ensure that such malpractices do not occur.
If you find that any shop is over charging, you should first highlight it to the shopkeeper.
If the latter insists on charging the same amount, you can insist on a bill and bring it to the attention of the Department of Legal Metrology. The Inspector of Labour will follow up on the complaint. You can also go to the consumer court.
Speaking about a personal experience in which she had been charged Rs 10 extra for a pack of ice cream, Saroja of Consumer Awareness Group (CAG), says, “The man claimed that the extra money was to cover the cost of cooling. He should not sell ice cream if he cannot pay for the cooling.” As per the Consumer Protection Act, violators can get a one-month long jail sentence or pay a fine up to Rs 10,000.
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