CHENNAI: Reiterating that the demands of the city residents have been ignored in the manifestos of all political parties, Greater Chennai Confederation, a newly formed association of various residents welfare associations in the city, on Tuesday released a `people's manifesto.'

Burning of garbage

Preservation of water bodies, a stern `no' to the proposed airport expansion, prevention of dumping and burning of garbage at Kodungaiyur and Perungudi and a demand for more flyovers and bridges to decongest the city were given priority in the manifesto released at a meeting attended by more than 400 residents' welfare association members at a hotel in Koyambedu.

M.B. Nirmal, founder of Exnora International and convener of the Confederation, said the manifesto was not political in nature but merely a reflection of the true demands of the city residents.

The Confederation has suggested that the State government must set up a "Water Body Conservation Board" to look after preservation and protection of water bodies.

Rampant encroachments

"The rampant encroachments of waterways and lakes are proof that government agencies such as the Public Works Department and the police have failed miserably to protect them. So a separate government wing is necessary. Also the government should consider booking encroachers under the Goondas Act," speakers at the meeting said. They opposed the plans for expansion of the Meenambakkam airport, suggesting that a new airport could be set up outside the city. The manifesto read: "The world over airports are located outside major cities. We suggest that the airport could be built in Sriperumbudur and it could be connected by fast point-to-point train and two-tier road."

The residents' welfare association representatives also vouched for decentralised garbage management in the city and a comprehensive ban on the burning of waste.

Focal point

Another focal point of the meeting was that North Chennai suffered neglect when compared with the rest of the city.

Speakers resolved to meet under the new Confederation regularly to highlight civic issues in the greater Chennai region. Contact the Confederation by phone at 5219 3595 or 2475 9477.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail