As the countdown begins for the inauguration of the 10 Amma Unavagams in the city, the Corporation is racing against time to complete finishing touches. One of the features in three of the 10 budget eateries is that they are all solar powered.
Installed
According to sources, the Corporation has installed solar panels on a trial basis at the eateries at Flower Market, Kurichi and Singanallur Bus Stand. The one at the Mettupalayam Road Bus Stand is already solar powered.
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At each of the three places, the Corporation has installed panels that have the capacity to generate two kw.
The Corporation will use the power to burn lights and run fans. And when the power generated is poor due to overcast sky, the Corporation will use the power saved in power backups and only if that too fails, it will draw power from the grid.
As for the power to run grinder, water cooler, refrigerator and other kitchen equipment, the sources say that the Corporation will remain dependent on the grid.
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The sources say that if the civic body finds the installation of solar panels to be effective, it will extend the same to the six other Amma Unavagams.
The sources say that the Corporation is planning to network its billing process so that officials sitting at the Corporation main office in Town Hall are able to monitor on a real time basis what and how much is selling at each of the 10 eateries.
Monitor
Even as the person at the billing counter issues a receipt, the officials will know what is being sold – idli, curd rice or sambar rice. This, the sources say, will help the Corporation monitor the stock available and plan production in the days to come.
Meanwhile, the self-help group members who underwent training in Chennai have been cooking on a trial basis at a Corporation facility near the V.H. Road school.
The civic body sent 15 SHGs to Chennai to undergo training.