Chennai Corporation will commence work on improving 66 water bodies in the city in February as part of the 66 birthday celebrations of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Addressing media persons on Thursday, Mayor Saidai Duraisamy said rain water harvesting in the city would improve considerably after completion of work on desilting and restoration of water bodies.
The work includes landscaping, desilting and plugging of illegal sewer inlets. The civic body will also introduce Gambusia fish in 660 minor water bodies and tanks in the city to control mosquito breeding, said Mr. Duraisamy.
The Corporation will also implement 66 welfare schemes and events to mark the celebrations.
Other key announcements included awards for best residents’ welfare associations, distribution of coconut saplings for 66,000 households, exhibition of home-grown fruits, flowers and vegetables, awards for pets, medical camps, identification and honouring of all centenarians in the city and a deposit of Rs. 10,000 for girls born on February 24, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Sports competitions across the city will also begin next week.
