The Tamil Nadu government on Friday announced that under the second phase of the Metro Rail, a project study would be taken up to establish links between Moolakkadai-Thirumangalam, Moolakkadai-Thiruvanmiyur and Luz-Poonamallee through Iyyappanthangal.
In his address to the State Assembly, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala said the earlier project was progressing at a fast pace and the government was taking efforts for its extension up to Tiruvottiyur at an estimated cost of Rs 3,001 crore. “I urge the Centre to continue the financial assistance for the project,” he said. The Governor also announced the government's decision to set up a world-class Mega Science City in Chennai by bringing together more than 69 institutions of advanced research institutions such as Anna University and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
This Science City, he said, would flourish as a pristine centre, facilitating higher scientific research to encourage younger generation in advancing their knowledge leading to scientific inventions in future.
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A government arts and science college would be established between East Coast Road and Rajiv Gandhi Road (OMR) at Nemmeli in Kancheepuram district.
A special tourism development project for beautification of tourist centres and improvement of basic facilities along the East Coast Corridor and the southern tourist circuit would be implemented on an outlay of Rs 450 crore. The financial assistance will come from Asian Development Bank.
The Governor said it would require Rs. 15,000 crore for providing basic amenities such as drinking water, roads, drainage, solid waste management and streetlights in Chennai and adjoining suburban areas.
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Besides towns, which serve as growth centres and fall within the districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, the Corporations of Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Tirunelveli and the newly established corporations such as Erode, Tirupur, Vellore, Tuticorin and all municipalities in the State, would be covered in the next 5 years.
Among other announcements made by Mr. Barnala are constitution of a committee headed by a former High Court Judge to examine problems regarding Panchami lands and permitting sale of processed palm juice and preserved tender coconut water through outlets of Khadi and Village Industries Board.