The Ambattur Municipality, with the help of the Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University, has launched a study on the surface water movement at the site of the proposed dumping yard in Kuthambakkam near Poonamallee.
Officials of the municipality said the study had become necessary in the wake of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's request for more data on the movement of surface water and groundwater at the site and the amount of rainfall during this northeast monsoon. The TNPCB had wanted these details to study the possible impact of the dumpyard on the Chembarampakkam reservoir, which is one of the drinking water sources of the city.
The Institute of Water Studies, Taramani, would submit a report on groundwater movement at the site. The Ambattur Municipality council recently approved the work, entrusted to the Anna University and involving an expenditure of Rs. 3.86 lakh. The reports are expected to be submitted to the local body by January-end.
Once the reports are completed, the local body plans to submit the detailed project report for the second time in two months to State-Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority for clearance of the integrated solid waste management project.
Some participants of the public hearing, on the project proposal, in September at Poonamallee had raised objections to certain aspects of a study on groundwater, conducted by a private firm.
The local body also plans to spend Rs.7.8 lakh for levelling the garbage heaped to a height of 30 feet at Athipet dumping yard to create more space. Officials said nearly 250 tonnes was being dumped at the yard every day.
On other recent decisions of the municipality, an official said seven health posts in the local body would soon be equipped to conduct medical tests, including ECG (electrocardiogram). Laboratories would also be set up at a total cost of Rs.9.5 lakh in the health posts.
Technicians would be employed through private institutions on contract basis. However, charges for the laboratory tests were yet to be decided, the officials said.
The municipality also plans to digitise the area map at a cost of Rs.14 lakh. At present, only ward maps are available. It would be prepared with details about locations of stormwater drain and streetlights, drainage network and length of roads. The work would be completed in four months, the officials added. The consolidated digital map of the entire municipality would help in addressing civic problems effectively.
