Some of the open space reservation (OSR) lands in busy areas across the city are likely to be converted into temporary parking lots. This proposal, part of the measures to decongest traffic, is expected to be taken up for discussion at the Chennai Corporation Council meeting on Wednesday.
The meeting, the first for the Council after the local body election, may also deliberate on the maintenance of the parks, playgrounds and public conveniences and the need for creating more such facilities. A proposal to permit private organisations to maintain the facilities is likely to be placed before the Council.
According to sources in the Corporation, the consent of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) would also be sought before converting the OSR lands as parking lots. The focus particularly is on making use of the OSR lands near shopping areas and offices.
Another important resolution that is to be placed for the Council's approval pertains to the appointment of IAS officers as deputy and joint commissioners for better administration of the city, which is to be divided into three units.
The expanded Chennai Corporation would be divided as South, Central and North units. While zones 1 – 5 would come under the north unit, zones 6 - 10 would be part of the central unit. The remaining five would be in the south unit, the sources said. The number of wards in the Chennai Corporation increased from 155 to 200 following the merger of several suburban areas. The number of zones went up from 10 to 15.
Construction of stormwater drains in the merged areas may also be on the agenda.
