Minister R Vaithilingam planting saplings at Koyambedu on Thursday as the Mayor looks on | P Jawahar
In a green initiative, the State government is exploring the possibility of tapping solar power for Asia’s largest perishable goods wholesale market.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Department, Phanindra Reddy, told Express that Housing and Urban Development Minister R Vaithilingam is keen on exploring solar energy for Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority as well as Tamil Nadu Housing Board buildings. Currently, talks are going on with Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency in this regard, the official said.
Meanwhile, Vaithilingam along with mayor Saidai Duraisamy planted saplings near the flower market. The drive to plant 1,000 saplings is part of an initiative to redevelop the market, which also includes landscaping, construction of a compound wall and rainwater harvesting. CMDA sources said a tender has already been floated for the construction of the compound wall.
Also, tenders have been floated for laying concrete in the open area between the flower and fruit markets. Interestingly, CCTVs are also to be installed in the complex, officials said.
But, garbage and lack of water and bathroom facilities are some of the major issues still plaguing the market. Traders also complained about illegal parking of omni buses, which affects the movement of vehicles in the area.
Sources said work to develop the omni bus stand opposite the Koyambedu market is progressing and four acres of land has been identified.
Sources also said one acre of land behind the flower market has been identified for processing garbage from the market.
Interestingly, MMC officials say that although CMDA had allotted land acquired by it in the 1980s from Tamil Nadu Housing Board for vermin-compost, separation of garbage for the nearby bio-methanation plant as well as banana stem process, the plant could not be put to use due to a court battle over the rights of the land.
Meanwhile, traders also brought to light the lack of water in Koyambedu market. CMDA officials said the market is without water as the traders are yet to pay dues to Metro Water, which cut its connection. “The issue could be sorted out through discussions with Metro Water as well as traders who should be willing to pay their dues,” a senior CMDA official said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> Cities> Chennai / by C. ShivaKumer – Chennai / November 16th, 2012