Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Airport expansion, greenfield to be delayed
Airport expansion, greenfield to be delayed
The ongoing expansion of existing airport and the proposed second airport at Sriperumbudur may get delayed if Airports Authority of India (AAI) is not able to eliminate the bottlenecks the projects face.
The ongoing expansion of existing airport and the proposed second airport at Sriperumbudur may get delayed if Airports Authority of India (AAI) is not able to eliminate the bottlenecks the projects face.
The existing airport's development will be hit if defence authorities did not vacate the 19-acre land adjacent to the international terminal immediately while tardiness of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in completing a techno-economic feasibity study is delaying the Sriperumbudur airport.
Confirming the fears, AAI chairman VP Agrawal said that AAI may not be able to complete the project on time if the defence land is not held up. "We are planning to take up the issue with the defence secretary," he said. Though the land was formally handed over to AAI in July, defence authorities are refusing to vacate a transmitter building located in it. AAI has also built a RS 3-crore transmitter station at an alternative site.
"The ongoing expansion works (building two new passenger terminals, a flyover in front of the terminals, extending the secondary runway and building a bridge across Adyar river to extend the runway) are progressing at a rapid pace and could be completed next year. But, delay in getting the defence land will impact the expansion works," said Agrawal after inaugurating a 303-metre walkalator that connects domestic and international terminals at Chennai airport on Friday. The walkalator built at a cost of Rs 12 crore helps passengers to access aero bridges of both the terminals.
Agrawal said that the financial condition of AAI would not impact the ongoing airport expansion works at Kolkata and Chennai. "As tax-free bonds are not coming from the government, we may borrow from the market. This comes at a lower interest rate. So, the projects may not be affected. But, we have deferred long-term borrowing" he said.
The proposed second airport project on 4,820.66 acres at Sriperumbudur also may get delayed considerably because International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is going slow on the techno-economic feasibility study. "AAI has paid an advance amount to the organisation to start the study. But, they have not done much. So, we have written to the secretary general of the organisation." Agrawal said.
The study has already been delayed by almost a year because AAI did not pay the advance to ICAO. The organisation was supposed to submit its report in June this year. However, this is going to be delayed further.
AAI could decide the fate of the proposed parallel runway only after getting ICAO report on Sriperumbudur airport, he said.
AAI has put the parallel runway project on hold till the ICAO report is released.
Agrawal said that installation of a new radar would be carried out by the end of March 2010. "The airport will get two radar. One will soon be installed at Porur. Works on the building are going on," he said.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Soon, social audit of SEZs in State
‘Soon, social audit of SEZs in State’
CHENNAI: Social activist Medha Patkar termed the SEZ (Special Economic Zone) Act as the special exploitation act, during her visit to Chennai, on Thursday. She announced that as a mark of people’s protest against this kind of land grab displacement, National Alliance of People’s Movement, an umbrella organisation of several like-minded NGOs, will conduct a people’s social audit in Tamil Nadu from October 23 to 26 on various SEZ projects.
She told reporters, “The exploitation and the displacement happening under this land grab is unprecedented. In the past five years, this kind of displacement has increased 10 times. In Tamil Nadu, out of the 69 SEZs, 49 were notified, but no rehabilitation package has reached people.”
“We have conducted a similar audit in Maharashtra. In Tamil Nadu, teams consisting of sociologists, economists, social workers and media personalities, will visit the SEZ sites and access the impact on the local community in terms of social, economic, political and ecological aspects. Based on the findings, they will present a report to all the ministries concerned and exert pressure on them to act,” she said and added that the government has to chalk out development plans in such a way that they could minimise the displacement.
On airport secondary runway displacement, the activist said she is not against the airports, but questioned why the Airport Authority of India should be extravagant in setting up additional lights for the runway, which would displace 5000 families at Kollapakkam.
“For this project, the government plans to acquire 40 more acres besides the 1,060 acres. Instead, it can go for a simple airport, which will serve the purpose,” she said.
“Though under the SEZ Act, agriculture, pisiculture and horticulture were classified as industries, what is the need for destroying agricultural land, resulting in a food crisis? Tamil Nadu Government is only looking at post-modern development.”
The various stakeholders, who had lost their lands due to SEZ projects and airport expansion plan, represented their cases. She also presented an inaugural address at the Madras Christian College at their national conference of human rights and the marginalised.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=%E2%80%98Soon,+social+audit+of+SEZs+in+State%E2%80%99&artid=xespQMzHecg=&SectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&MainSectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&SEO=&SectionName=rSY%7C6QYp3kQ=
CHENNAI: Social activist Medha Patkar termed the SEZ (Special Economic Zone) Act as the special exploitation act, during her visit to Chennai, on Thursday. She announced that as a mark of people’s protest against this kind of land grab displacement, National Alliance of People’s Movement, an umbrella organisation of several like-minded NGOs, will conduct a people’s social audit in Tamil Nadu from October 23 to 26 on various SEZ projects.
She told reporters, “The exploitation and the displacement happening under this land grab is unprecedented. In the past five years, this kind of displacement has increased 10 times. In Tamil Nadu, out of the 69 SEZs, 49 were notified, but no rehabilitation package has reached people.”
“We have conducted a similar audit in Maharashtra. In Tamil Nadu, teams consisting of sociologists, economists, social workers and media personalities, will visit the SEZ sites and access the impact on the local community in terms of social, economic, political and ecological aspects. Based on the findings, they will present a report to all the ministries concerned and exert pressure on them to act,” she said and added that the government has to chalk out development plans in such a way that they could minimise the displacement.
On airport secondary runway displacement, the activist said she is not against the airports, but questioned why the Airport Authority of India should be extravagant in setting up additional lights for the runway, which would displace 5000 families at Kollapakkam.
“For this project, the government plans to acquire 40 more acres besides the 1,060 acres. Instead, it can go for a simple airport, which will serve the purpose,” she said.
“Though under the SEZ Act, agriculture, pisiculture and horticulture were classified as industries, what is the need for destroying agricultural land, resulting in a food crisis? Tamil Nadu Government is only looking at post-modern development.”
The various stakeholders, who had lost their lands due to SEZ projects and airport expansion plan, represented their cases. She also presented an inaugural address at the Madras Christian College at their national conference of human rights and the marginalised.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=%E2%80%98Soon,+social+audit+of+SEZs+in+State%E2%80%99&artid=xespQMzHecg=&SectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&MainSectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&SEO=&SectionName=rSY%7C6QYp3kQ=
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
AIADMK plans demonstration
AIADMK plans demonstration :
CHENNAI: The AIADMK will hold a demonstration on September 1 on Gandhi Road in Kancheepuram against the State government acquiring land at Kolappakam for airport expansion. AIADMK MP P. Venugopal, Kancheepuram west district secretary K. Hari and other senior leaders will participate.
In a statement issued here, party general secretary Jayalalithaa said that without exploring the other options, the government acquired 190 acres inhabited by the poor. — Special Correspondent
http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/31/stories/2009083154420400.htm
CHENNAI: The AIADMK will hold a demonstration on September 1 on Gandhi Road in Kancheepuram against the State government acquiring land at Kolappakam for airport expansion. AIADMK MP P. Venugopal, Kancheepuram west district secretary K. Hari and other senior leaders will participate.
In a statement issued here, party general secretary Jayalalithaa said that without exploring the other options, the government acquired 190 acres inhabited by the poor. — Special Correspondent
http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/31/stories/2009083154420400.htm
Jayalalithaa opposes land acquisition for airport expansion
Jayalalithaa opposes land acquisition for airport expansion
Sat, Aug 29 06:31 PM
Chennai, Aug 29 (IANS) Tamil Nadu's former chief minister J. Jayalalitha Saturday criticised the move to acquire 35 acres of land for expanding the Chennai airport.
'(Chief Minister M.) Karunanidhi came to power promising two-acre land for landless people. Now poor people are losing their land and homes on the pretext of acquisition,' the AIADMK general secretary said in a statement.
According to her, the government is in the process of acquiring 1,070 acres in Kanchipuram district near here for expanding the Chennai airport.
The government has handed over some portion of the acquired land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and a second runway has been constructed on it.The AAI wants an additional 35.40 acres to have lighting facilities for the second runway and has placed a request to the state government.
'The government, without looking at alternative measures, is bent upon acquiring the land on which more than 10,000 people have been living,' she said.
She said the government and AAI should look at alternative routes for fixing the lighting structures for the second runway.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20090829/836/tbs-jayalalithaa-opposes-land-acquisitio.html
http://www.samaylive.com/news/jayalalithaa-opposes-land-acquisition-for-airport-expansion/652193.html
Sat, Aug 29 06:31 PM
Chennai, Aug 29 (IANS) Tamil Nadu's former chief minister J. Jayalalitha Saturday criticised the move to acquire 35 acres of land for expanding the Chennai airport.
'(Chief Minister M.) Karunanidhi came to power promising two-acre land for landless people. Now poor people are losing their land and homes on the pretext of acquisition,' the AIADMK general secretary said in a statement.
According to her, the government is in the process of acquiring 1,070 acres in Kanchipuram district near here for expanding the Chennai airport.
The government has handed over some portion of the acquired land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and a second runway has been constructed on it.The AAI wants an additional 35.40 acres to have lighting facilities for the second runway and has placed a request to the state government.
'The government, without looking at alternative measures, is bent upon acquiring the land on which more than 10,000 people have been living,' she said.
She said the government and AAI should look at alternative routes for fixing the lighting structures for the second runway.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20090829/836/tbs-jayalalithaa-opposes-land-acquisitio.html
http://www.samaylive.com/news/jayalalithaa-opposes-land-acquisition-for-airport-expansion/652193.html
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Secondary runway at Chennai airport to be closed for 45 days
Secondary runway at Chennai airport to be closed for 45 days
The secondary runway at the Chennai airport will be closed for 45 days from September 16 for taking up the link taxiway construction work.The Airports Authority of India (AAI) proposes to construct three link taxiways connecting the primary runway and the secondary runway.
For this work, the main runway was closed from July 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in order to accommodate all the wide-bodied aircraft to wind up their operations.
With the completion of the work on the primary runway it has been decided to take up the work on the secondary runway.Now the authorities will take up the construction of small link taxiway.
With the completion of work at the primary runway, it will be available for operations, say the AAI authorities.
The AAI also plans to take up the regular maintenance work of the primary runway.
For this work, it will be closed between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. During that period the secondary runway will be made available for the landing and take off of aircraft.As the aircraft movement is not heavy between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. it has been decided to close the main runway during the period for maintenance work.
Cleaning the rubber deposits, maintenance of runway lighting system and painting of centre and edge lines are important maintenance works for which the runway will be closed, say the authorities. The AAI has also proposed to close down the secondary runway completely from January next year to take up grade correction work, say the AAI authorities. They say that by January construction of a bridge, for a distance of about 400 metres, across the Adyar river is expected to be completed. After that the grade correction work has to be taken up from the existing secondary runway to the newly created one.
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article8641.ece
The secondary runway at the Chennai airport will be closed for 45 days from September 16 for taking up the link taxiway construction work.The Airports Authority of India (AAI) proposes to construct three link taxiways connecting the primary runway and the secondary runway.
For this work, the main runway was closed from July 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in order to accommodate all the wide-bodied aircraft to wind up their operations.
With the completion of the work on the primary runway it has been decided to take up the work on the secondary runway.Now the authorities will take up the construction of small link taxiway.
With the completion of work at the primary runway, it will be available for operations, say the AAI authorities.
The AAI also plans to take up the regular maintenance work of the primary runway.
For this work, it will be closed between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. During that period the secondary runway will be made available for the landing and take off of aircraft.As the aircraft movement is not heavy between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. it has been decided to close the main runway during the period for maintenance work.
Cleaning the rubber deposits, maintenance of runway lighting system and painting of centre and edge lines are important maintenance works for which the runway will be closed, say the authorities. The AAI has also proposed to close down the secondary runway completely from January next year to take up grade correction work, say the AAI authorities. They say that by January construction of a bridge, for a distance of about 400 metres, across the Adyar river is expected to be completed. After that the grade correction work has to be taken up from the existing secondary runway to the newly created one.
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article8641.ece
Residents oppose expansion
Residents oppose expansion
Chennai, Aug. 25: Nearly 5,000 residents from Kolapakkam are preparing for a major protest against the government move to acquire 35 acres of land for the airport expansion project. According to government officials, the mapping of the required area is completed and the government is yet to take a decision on the issue.
The additional requirement of 35 acres will be used to install approach lights at the head of the runway as part of the airport expansion project.
According to villagers, they received the information through media and later district revenue officials clarified about the land acquisition project. “About 326 families in Kolapakkam village will be directly affected by the project. Most residents are living here for over a century and a majority of them are farmers or daily workers,” said a resident. At the same time, Kolapakkam village welfare association has received assurance from the state labour welfare minister that he would fight against the project. “He promised that he will save the village from the project,” said a member of the association.
But government sources report that the AAI had sent the request to state chief secretary and the state would start issuing the notices to villagers in another three months.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/residents-oppose-expansion-660
Chennai, Aug. 25: Nearly 5,000 residents from Kolapakkam are preparing for a major protest against the government move to acquire 35 acres of land for the airport expansion project. According to government officials, the mapping of the required area is completed and the government is yet to take a decision on the issue.
The additional requirement of 35 acres will be used to install approach lights at the head of the runway as part of the airport expansion project.
According to villagers, they received the information through media and later district revenue officials clarified about the land acquisition project. “About 326 families in Kolapakkam village will be directly affected by the project. Most residents are living here for over a century and a majority of them are farmers or daily workers,” said a resident. At the same time, Kolapakkam village welfare association has received assurance from the state labour welfare minister that he would fight against the project. “He promised that he will save the village from the project,” said a member of the association.
But government sources report that the AAI had sent the request to state chief secretary and the state would start issuing the notices to villagers in another three months.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/residents-oppose-expansion-660
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
AAI seeks more land for secondary runway
AAI seeks more land for secondary runway
V Ayyappan TNN
Chennai: Construction of the Chennai airport’s secondary runway across the Adyar River is progressing fast and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has requested the state government for 35 acres of additional land to install approach lights at the head of the runway.
The residents of nearby Kolapakkam, fearing their houses will be acquired, are preparing to oppose this move. The state government had handed over about 136 acres of land to the AAI and work on extending the secondary runway began.
“The state government has started the survey of the area to acquire it without disturbing residential areas. The airport will require a vertical stretch of land because the lights need to be installed at the head of the runway,” said airport director K Natarajan.
The land requirement would fall under the purview of the early allocation of land made by the government, he added. But, “this time we need only a vertical stretch,” Natarajan said.
Meanwhile, at a panchayat meeting, the residents of Kollapakkam village decided to start protests. “If the 35-40 acres are acquired the village will go. Around 300 residents may lose their houses,” said a resident. The government seems to be looking at acquiring the land without affecting the people,” a government official said.
Work on extending the 2,035-metre secondary runway by 1,400 metres is expected to be completed by next year. AAI officials expressed confidence that they could manage to use the runway without approach lights also if there was increased threshold at the end of the runway.
ayyappan.v@timesgroup.com
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOINEW/navigator.asp?Daily=TOICH&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&AW=1250565426203
V Ayyappan TNN
Chennai: Construction of the Chennai airport’s secondary runway across the Adyar River is progressing fast and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has requested the state government for 35 acres of additional land to install approach lights at the head of the runway.
The residents of nearby Kolapakkam, fearing their houses will be acquired, are preparing to oppose this move. The state government had handed over about 136 acres of land to the AAI and work on extending the secondary runway began.
“The state government has started the survey of the area to acquire it without disturbing residential areas. The airport will require a vertical stretch of land because the lights need to be installed at the head of the runway,” said airport director K Natarajan.
The land requirement would fall under the purview of the early allocation of land made by the government, he added. But, “this time we need only a vertical stretch,” Natarajan said.
Meanwhile, at a panchayat meeting, the residents of Kollapakkam village decided to start protests. “If the 35-40 acres are acquired the village will go. Around 300 residents may lose their houses,” said a resident. The government seems to be looking at acquiring the land without affecting the people,” a government official said.
Work on extending the 2,035-metre secondary runway by 1,400 metres is expected to be completed by next year. AAI officials expressed confidence that they could manage to use the runway without approach lights also if there was increased threshold at the end of the runway.
ayyappan.v@timesgroup.com
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOINEW/navigator.asp?Daily=TOICH&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&AW=1250565426203
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Second airport proposal for Chennai gaining momentum
Second airport proposal for Chennai gaining momentum
A. Srivathsan and P.Oppili
A. Srivathsan and P.Oppili
State government renews interest in Sriperumbudur project
CHENNAI: The proposal for a greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur is gaining momentum following Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman V.P. Agrawal’s announcement putting on hold the construction of a parallel runway at the Chennai airport.
The State government has started showing renewed interest in building a new airport near Sriperumbudur.
An earlier proposal by the State government had identified nearly 4,500 acres, spread over 42 villages in Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, for the second airport. Villages identified
Government sources say Kiloy, Siru Kiloy, Mambakkam and Vadamangalam in the
Sriperumbudur block in Kancheepuram district and Thiruppandhiyur, Kottaiyur and Vayalur in the Kadambathur block in Tiruvallur district are some of the villages identified for acquiring land for the project.
The AAI Chairman had also pointed out that according to an internal study taken up by them, Sriperumbudur was an ideal location for a second airport.The State government was thinking on the same lines, which would fulfil the need for a bigger airport for Chennai.
Kancheepuram district Revenue officials are preparing a detailed project report for acquiring 40 acres for the secondary runway expansion project. This would be contiguous to the already acquired 129 acres, which had been handed over to the AAI.
The additional area would be used for constructing perimeter fencing and lighting around that area, say Revenue officials. The acquisition process is expected to begin in about three months, the Revenue officials add.
Monday, July 27, 2009
NOC issued to construct bridge across Adyar river
NOC issued to construct bridge across Adyar river
T. Ramakrishnan and P. Oppili
CHENNAI: The State government has issued a “no-objection certificate” for constructing a bridge across the Adyar river as part of the Chennai airport’s secondary runway extension project.
An order, issued by the Public Works Department last week, said that the Airports Authority of India should reimburse Rs.3.522 crore which was incurred by the PWD towards the construction of a check-dam at Manapakkam across the river. To enable the formation of the bridge, it had been decided to convert the check-dam into a bed-dam with a height of 0.30 metres. This was to support groundwater sustainability in the area.
The need for the government’s NOC arose because the recently constructed Manapakkam check-dam had to be disturbed if the bridge had to come up. As the check-dam would totally come under the operation area of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) after the bridge construction, it would be difficult for the PWD to operate the sluice valves of the check-dam and clear silt periodically. In May, the Authority’s General Manager informed the government that the AAI’s Board agreed to remit the cost of construction of the check-dam.
The government order of July 21, 2009 laid down several conditions to be fulfilled by the AAI.
The Authority should deploy flood safety mechanism on either side of the proposed bridge to ensure free flow of flood water. Soon after the construction of the bridge for the secondary runway and parallel runway across the river, the Authority should take care of the periodical maintenance including the desilting work within in its boundary. Otherwise it should remit the cost to the PWD for undertaking the annual maintenance works.
The Authority should provide adequate flood protection walls on either side of the river at places where the river was proposed to be covered for the project. The flood protection wall on the river’s left bank should be constructed along the river meandering portion for a minimum clear waterway of 130 metres. The Authority should also construct retaining walls on either side of the river front, both upstream and downstream, to avoid inundation.
The PWD authorities would have the right to enter into airport area to inspect the Adyar river at any time and the works suggested by PWD should be carried out by the Authority, the order said.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/28/stories/2009072857700200.htm
T. Ramakrishnan and P. Oppili
CHENNAI: The State government has issued a “no-objection certificate” for constructing a bridge across the Adyar river as part of the Chennai airport’s secondary runway extension project.
An order, issued by the Public Works Department last week, said that the Airports Authority of India should reimburse Rs.3.522 crore which was incurred by the PWD towards the construction of a check-dam at Manapakkam across the river. To enable the formation of the bridge, it had been decided to convert the check-dam into a bed-dam with a height of 0.30 metres. This was to support groundwater sustainability in the area.
The need for the government’s NOC arose because the recently constructed Manapakkam check-dam had to be disturbed if the bridge had to come up. As the check-dam would totally come under the operation area of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) after the bridge construction, it would be difficult for the PWD to operate the sluice valves of the check-dam and clear silt periodically. In May, the Authority’s General Manager informed the government that the AAI’s Board agreed to remit the cost of construction of the check-dam.
The government order of July 21, 2009 laid down several conditions to be fulfilled by the AAI.
The Authority should deploy flood safety mechanism on either side of the proposed bridge to ensure free flow of flood water. Soon after the construction of the bridge for the secondary runway and parallel runway across the river, the Authority should take care of the periodical maintenance including the desilting work within in its boundary. Otherwise it should remit the cost to the PWD for undertaking the annual maintenance works.
The Authority should provide adequate flood protection walls on either side of the river at places where the river was proposed to be covered for the project. The flood protection wall on the river’s left bank should be constructed along the river meandering portion for a minimum clear waterway of 130 metres. The Authority should also construct retaining walls on either side of the river front, both upstream and downstream, to avoid inundation.
The PWD authorities would have the right to enter into airport area to inspect the Adyar river at any time and the works suggested by PWD should be carried out by the Authority, the order said.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/28/stories/2009072857700200.htm
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Times of India 25_07_2009
Parallel runway project put on hold
Greenfield Airport More Suitable But We Haven’t Shelved Project: AAI
V Ayyappan TNN
Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has decided to put on hold the construction of the parallel runway project at Anna International Airport in Chennai as the state government has once again expressed keenness in establishing another airport at Sriperumbudur.
“We are putting the parallel runway project on hold because the (proposal for a) second airport at Sriperumbudur looks more apt and the state government has also agreed to give land for it. But we are not shelving the project,” AAI chairman V P Agrawal said after a meeting with Tamil Nadu chief secretary K S Sripathy here on Friday.
The construction of a second airport at Sriperumbudur would negate the requirement for a second runway at the Chennai airport, which currently faces an instructural crunch given the increase in frequency of flights.
A final decision on whether to build a parallel runway for the existing airport would be taken only after “we get to know the final report of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on the feasibility of the second airport,” Agrawal added. ICAO has not yet started a survey of the location at Sriperumbudur because the AAI has not paid Rs 5 crore for the study.
The ICAO is the international body tasked with the role of studying flight paths in order to verify the feasibility of the location. The AAI chief said a clear picture would emerge after some months based on the ICAO’s study. “We were looking for state government support. Now, they have told us to fund the study.
So, an agreement for the eight-month study will be signed very soon. We will get a preliminary report four months after the study is commissioned. Therefore, the construction of the parallel runway will depend on the ICAO study and also on the final decision of the state government to acquire land,” he added.
According to Agrawal, steps were being taken to improve facilities at Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi and Tuticorin airports and also improve air traffic management facilities at Chennai airport. “Air Traffic Control automation will be done in seven to eight months so that it will improve safety and ease work for the traffic controllers. Raytheon USA has emerged the lowest bidder in the tender process for the project.
We will be having a modern Auto Track III system which is there only in Delhi. The Chennai airport will also get two new radars and six bidders have qualified in the tender process. Price bid for that will be opened in 15 days. Once an agency is finalised the radars are expected in eight months,” he said.
On the national level, the AAI has signed an agreement with Federal Aviation Administration to prepare tender documents to facilitate better air traffic flow management so that Indian air space is better utilised. “Currently, we share the air space with defence who hold control over 35 % of Indian air space,” he added.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/Skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIM&showST=true
Greenfield Airport More Suitable But We Haven’t Shelved Project: AAI
V Ayyappan TNN
Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has decided to put on hold the construction of the parallel runway project at Anna International Airport in Chennai as the state government has once again expressed keenness in establishing another airport at Sriperumbudur.
“We are putting the parallel runway project on hold because the (proposal for a) second airport at Sriperumbudur looks more apt and the state government has also agreed to give land for it. But we are not shelving the project,” AAI chairman V P Agrawal said after a meeting with Tamil Nadu chief secretary K S Sripathy here on Friday.
The construction of a second airport at Sriperumbudur would negate the requirement for a second runway at the Chennai airport, which currently faces an instructural crunch given the increase in frequency of flights.
A final decision on whether to build a parallel runway for the existing airport would be taken only after “we get to know the final report of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on the feasibility of the second airport,” Agrawal added. ICAO has not yet started a survey of the location at Sriperumbudur because the AAI has not paid Rs 5 crore for the study.
The ICAO is the international body tasked with the role of studying flight paths in order to verify the feasibility of the location. The AAI chief said a clear picture would emerge after some months based on the ICAO’s study. “We were looking for state government support. Now, they have told us to fund the study.
So, an agreement for the eight-month study will be signed very soon. We will get a preliminary report four months after the study is commissioned. Therefore, the construction of the parallel runway will depend on the ICAO study and also on the final decision of the state government to acquire land,” he added.
According to Agrawal, steps were being taken to improve facilities at Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi and Tuticorin airports and also improve air traffic management facilities at Chennai airport. “Air Traffic Control automation will be done in seven to eight months so that it will improve safety and ease work for the traffic controllers. Raytheon USA has emerged the lowest bidder in the tender process for the project.
We will be having a modern Auto Track III system which is there only in Delhi. The Chennai airport will also get two new radars and six bidders have qualified in the tender process. Price bid for that will be opened in 15 days. Once an agency is finalised the radars are expected in eight months,” he said.
On the national level, the AAI has signed an agreement with Federal Aviation Administration to prepare tender documents to facilitate better air traffic flow management so that Indian air space is better utilised. “Currently, we share the air space with defence who hold control over 35 % of Indian air space,” he added.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/Skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIM&showST=true
Express Buzz_25_07_2009
Parallel runway project put on hold:
CHENNAI: “Plans for a new parallel runway at the Chennai Airport have been put on hold as the Tamil Nadu government is keen on the new airport in Sriperumbudur,” Airports Authority of India chairman VP Agrawal said on Friday.
He said the government was looking at better opportunities for the new airport. “We have conducted a small feasibility study from our side mainly to understand if making the runway there is feasible as that will be the most basic function. While our studies have shown positive results, yet another has to be commissioned by the International Civil Aviation Organization,” he added.
AAI chairman had earlier said that the feasibility study had already been given to ICAO which was due to give its reply by July. Clarifying that ICAO had not started the study yet, Agrawal said that AAI would sign an agreement with ICAO for taking up the study, sometime next week.
ATC AUTOMATION: Agrawal also highlighted plans for Air Traffic Control automation.
Work would be taken up with immediate affect at the cost of Rs.40 crores. New radars would be acquired within eight months.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Parallel+runway+proposal+on+hold&artid=LGyoFNlJTNo=&SectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&MainSectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&SectionName=EL7znOtxBM3qzgMyXZKtxw==&SEO=VP%20Agrawal,%20ICAO,%20AAI
CHENNAI: “Plans for a new parallel runway at the Chennai Airport have been put on hold as the Tamil Nadu government is keen on the new airport in Sriperumbudur,” Airports Authority of India chairman VP Agrawal said on Friday.
He said the government was looking at better opportunities for the new airport. “We have conducted a small feasibility study from our side mainly to understand if making the runway there is feasible as that will be the most basic function. While our studies have shown positive results, yet another has to be commissioned by the International Civil Aviation Organization,” he added.
AAI chairman had earlier said that the feasibility study had already been given to ICAO which was due to give its reply by July. Clarifying that ICAO had not started the study yet, Agrawal said that AAI would sign an agreement with ICAO for taking up the study, sometime next week.
ATC AUTOMATION: Agrawal also highlighted plans for Air Traffic Control automation.
Work would be taken up with immediate affect at the cost of Rs.40 crores. New radars would be acquired within eight months.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Parallel+runway+proposal+on+hold&artid=LGyoFNlJTNo=&SectionID=vBlkz7JCFvA=&MainSectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&SectionName=EL7znOtxBM3qzgMyXZKtxw==&SEO=VP%20Agrawal,%20ICAO,%20AAI
Residents seethe as AAI delays feasibility study for new airport
Residents seethe as AAI delays feasibility study for new airport
V Ayyappan TNN Chennai: Uncertainty continues for residents whose property is stuck in the airport expansion tangle as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is hesitant about dropping the proposed parallel runway project for the existing airport. The AAI has also delayed a planned International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) study on the feasibility of a second airport at Sriperumbudur by over eight months.
For over 2,000 families in Manapakkam, Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam, Tarapakkam and Kovur, a nod for the greenfield airport (now called a second airport because the state government wants two functioning airports) means their land — otherwise marked for acquisition for expansion of the existing airport — would be saved. But residents are furious that the AAI hasn’t started the study yet.
“All along we assumed the ICAO study was on and the report on the new airport will come at any time. Now, AAI’s declaration that the study is yet to start is a shock,” said G Mohan Kumar, who has bought a house in EVP Township in Tarapakkam.
“Ninety per cent of my house was completed when the state government marked the land for acquisition two years ago. But the bank is putting pressure on us to pay up the instalments,” said Somasekharan, another resident.
“All of us recently sent over 800 telegrams to the state government and asked for an appointment to meet the chief minister. But we have got no response,” he added.
The residents, who were on the verge of launching a massive protest to get their land denotified, had remained quiet because the AAI had promised that they would ask ICAO to do a feasibility study for Sriperumbudur airport eight months ago.
But the study did not start because “ICAO is asking huge money to start the survey. But we will be signing an agreement with them very soon,” said AAI chairman V P Agrawal. If the organisation had started its study as planned, the final report would have been ready last month.
“Though AAI has studied the location and found that an airport can be constructed in Sriperumbudur, ICAO should study the location because it is less than 150 km from the existing Chennai airport,” said a senior AAI official.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2009/07/27&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00503&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T
Plea to denotify airport project
Chennai, July 25: As the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI’s) decision to shelve the parallel runway project gives a little relief for residents, thousands of families affected by the project from the Manapakkam, Kollapa-kkam, Gerugambakkam and Tharapakkam (EVP Town) areas are still waiting for de-notification of the project.
As part of the major Chennai airport expansion project, the state government has notified 939 acres in the area for AAI to construct a parallel runway. But the project got delayed for more than a year due to various reasons.
“Though residents are happy with the AAI decision to hold up the project, still we are demanding the de-notification of the parallel runway project and the government should go for a second airport project at Sriperumbudur,” said Brindha Brighton, secretary of the United People’s Forum for Survival, a forum of 5,000 people going to be affected by the Chennai airport expansion project.
“Earlier, the state chief secretary had assured the completion of feasibility study of the second airport coordinated by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) by July 2009. But AAI is yet to start its preliminary work. We demand the commissioning and completion of the study as early as possible and also thousands of families in our area expect a favourable decision from state government by de-notifying the project,” she added.
The project would take away 947 dwelling houses, 250 semi-constructed houses, 2,000 approved plots, an international school with 2,000 students, more than 500 acres of agricultural land and several small-scale industries. Besides, environmentalists point to major threats to the ecology and chances of flooding. Environmentalist and researcher Nityanand Jayaraman said AAI’s decision would give temporary relief to the residents, and added that the project that affects the lives of thousands of people should be de-notified.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/plea-denotify-airport-project-138
As part of the major Chennai airport expansion project, the state government has notified 939 acres in the area for AAI to construct a parallel runway. But the project got delayed for more than a year due to various reasons.
“Though residents are happy with the AAI decision to hold up the project, still we are demanding the de-notification of the parallel runway project and the government should go for a second airport project at Sriperumbudur,” said Brindha Brighton, secretary of the United People’s Forum for Survival, a forum of 5,000 people going to be affected by the Chennai airport expansion project.
“Earlier, the state chief secretary had assured the completion of feasibility study of the second airport coordinated by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) by July 2009. But AAI is yet to start its preliminary work. We demand the commissioning and completion of the study as early as possible and also thousands of families in our area expect a favourable decision from state government by de-notifying the project,” she added.
The project would take away 947 dwelling houses, 250 semi-constructed houses, 2,000 approved plots, an international school with 2,000 students, more than 500 acres of agricultural land and several small-scale industries. Besides, environmentalists point to major threats to the ecology and chances of flooding. Environmentalist and researcher Nityanand Jayaraman said AAI’s decision would give temporary relief to the residents, and added that the project that affects the lives of thousands of people should be de-notified.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/plea-denotify-airport-project-138
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Airport expansion work on defence land stopped
Airport expansion work on defence land stopped
P. Oppili
CHENNAI: Expansion work at the Chennai airport on land in the possession of the Defence Ministry was stopped last week by the Defence authorities.
A board put up at the site said: “This is Defence Land. All construction activity be halted henceforth till further notice.”
Airports Authority of India officials said that following a meeting with the Chief Secretary, the AAI had entered the 2.99 acres of defence land, part of a 19.24-acre parcel of defence property, in February this year for construction activities. The defence authorities had agreed to the AAI proposal to construct a new building for the defence instead of the existing structure at Pallavaram. Already, the AAI had completed the construction of the new technical office complex and erected signal transmitters on the land by May. The defence authorities had visited the new building, expressed their satisfaction and commended the AAI for completing the work in record time.
Following this, the AAI had approached the defence authorities to take over the building with proper inventory.
The defence authorities had informally allowed the AAI to start the earthwork and clear the bushes on the site, measuring 16.25 acres. However, on July 17 a section of defence authorities entered the project site (measuring 16.25 acres area) with armed personnel and stopped construction at the site. The AAI authorities have sent a letter to the State government stating that the stoppage of work “would adversely affect” the ongoing mega expansion project. They also requested the government to invite the defence authorities to attend a review meeting to be chaired by the Chief Secretary in which the AAI Chairman is expected to participate, an officer added.
The AAI officer said that at the meeting in February the local defence authorities had agreed to permit the AAI to start civil works relating to the international terminal expansion, and this fact had been recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/23/stories/2009072355320600.htm
P. Oppili
CHENNAI: Expansion work at the Chennai airport on land in the possession of the Defence Ministry was stopped last week by the Defence authorities.
A board put up at the site said: “This is Defence Land. All construction activity be halted henceforth till further notice.”
Airports Authority of India officials said that following a meeting with the Chief Secretary, the AAI had entered the 2.99 acres of defence land, part of a 19.24-acre parcel of defence property, in February this year for construction activities. The defence authorities had agreed to the AAI proposal to construct a new building for the defence instead of the existing structure at Pallavaram. Already, the AAI had completed the construction of the new technical office complex and erected signal transmitters on the land by May. The defence authorities had visited the new building, expressed their satisfaction and commended the AAI for completing the work in record time.
Following this, the AAI had approached the defence authorities to take over the building with proper inventory.
The defence authorities had informally allowed the AAI to start the earthwork and clear the bushes on the site, measuring 16.25 acres. However, on July 17 a section of defence authorities entered the project site (measuring 16.25 acres area) with armed personnel and stopped construction at the site. The AAI authorities have sent a letter to the State government stating that the stoppage of work “would adversely affect” the ongoing mega expansion project. They also requested the government to invite the defence authorities to attend a review meeting to be chaired by the Chief Secretary in which the AAI Chairman is expected to participate, an officer added.
The AAI officer said that at the meeting in February the local defence authorities had agreed to permit the AAI to start civil works relating to the international terminal expansion, and this fact had been recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/23/stories/2009072355320600.htm
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fear of losing land to airport expansion makes residents pray for greenfield one
Fear of losing land to airport expansion makes residents pray for greenfield one
V Ayyappan TNN Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is not the only one on tenterhooks over the delay by the International Civil Aviation Organisation in submitting a feasibility report for the proposed greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur.
About 2,000 families too are keeping their fingers crossed. The ICAO was to submit the techno-feasibility report last month. For families in Manapakkam, Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam and Kovur a nod for the greenfield airport means that their lands — otherwise marked for acquisition for expansion of the existing airport — would be saved.
The state government had earlier hinted that it would like to go ahead with the greenfield airport on 4,820.66 acres, because it found it difficult to acquire land northwest of the Adyar for building the parallel runway. While it would be tough to acquire even 300 acres, getting the earmarked 993 acres would cost more than Rs 2,000 crore.
So, the government wanted to acquire land for the new airport rather than expanding the existing one. A senior AAI official said “The ICAO report is yet to come.”
Though earlier studies showed that Sriperumbudur was suitable for construction of an airport, the government was keen on having the ICAO carry out a techno-economic feasibility study and also determine whether the airport could be operated simultaneously with the existing one.
The state government has decided to wait for the ICAO report before taking further steps to acquire the 993 acres to build the proposed parallel runway for the existing airport.
Airport director K Natarajan said, “Nothing has been decided about the greenfield airport. But the Indian Oil Corporation has anyway laid the jet fuel pipeline so that fuel can be supplied to the new airport when it is constructed.”
Meanwhile, residents have started demanding denotification of their lands. “Recent developments show that the government is keen to build a new airport. So it should not hold on to our land,” said Karthik, who had purchased land in the neighbourhood just before the government spelt out its acquisition plans.
“We have decided to send telegrams to the chief minister,” he said.
A senior Kancheepuram district administration official said they had not received intimation from the government to denotify the land marked for acquisition.
ayyappan.v@timesgroup.com
DECIDING FACTOR: The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is yet to submit its feasibility report for the greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOICH&AW=1247455487781
V Ayyappan TNN Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is not the only one on tenterhooks over the delay by the International Civil Aviation Organisation in submitting a feasibility report for the proposed greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur.
About 2,000 families too are keeping their fingers crossed. The ICAO was to submit the techno-feasibility report last month. For families in Manapakkam, Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam and Kovur a nod for the greenfield airport means that their lands — otherwise marked for acquisition for expansion of the existing airport — would be saved.
The state government had earlier hinted that it would like to go ahead with the greenfield airport on 4,820.66 acres, because it found it difficult to acquire land northwest of the Adyar for building the parallel runway. While it would be tough to acquire even 300 acres, getting the earmarked 993 acres would cost more than Rs 2,000 crore.
So, the government wanted to acquire land for the new airport rather than expanding the existing one. A senior AAI official said “The ICAO report is yet to come.”
Though earlier studies showed that Sriperumbudur was suitable for construction of an airport, the government was keen on having the ICAO carry out a techno-economic feasibility study and also determine whether the airport could be operated simultaneously with the existing one.
The state government has decided to wait for the ICAO report before taking further steps to acquire the 993 acres to build the proposed parallel runway for the existing airport.
Airport director K Natarajan said, “Nothing has been decided about the greenfield airport. But the Indian Oil Corporation has anyway laid the jet fuel pipeline so that fuel can be supplied to the new airport when it is constructed.”
Meanwhile, residents have started demanding denotification of their lands. “Recent developments show that the government is keen to build a new airport. So it should not hold on to our land,” said Karthik, who had purchased land in the neighbourhood just before the government spelt out its acquisition plans.
“We have decided to send telegrams to the chief minister,” he said.
A senior Kancheepuram district administration official said they had not received intimation from the government to denotify the land marked for acquisition.
ayyappan.v@timesgroup.com
DECIDING FACTOR: The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is yet to submit its feasibility report for the greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOICH&AW=1247455487781
Friday, July 10, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Telegram to Dy.CM on 09-07-2009
All people of Manpakkam, Kollpakkam, Tharapakkam and Gerugambakkam are planning to send Mass Telegram to Dy.CM Mr. Stalin on 09-July-2009 demanding to denotify G.0 Ms.108 dated 09-july-2007.
Telegram Message:
"Sir, we had been facing land acquisition issue for the past 3 years. Thanks for dropping parallel runway in Chennai airport, please de-notify G.O Ms.108, Dated 09-10-2007(Transport Dept), Hope to hear good news from our Dy.CM"
Thiru M.K. Stalin,
Deputy Chief Minister ,
Deputy Chief Minister's Office,
Secretariat, Chennai 600 009.
Telegram Message:
"Sir, we had been facing land acquisition issue for the past 3 years. Thanks for dropping parallel runway in Chennai airport, please de-notify G.O Ms.108, Dated 09-10-2007(Transport Dept), Hope to hear good news from our Dy.CM"
Thiru M.K. Stalin,
Deputy Chief Minister ,
Deputy Chief Minister's Office,
Secretariat, Chennai 600 009.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Kancheepuram collector
Kancheepuram
Name :Thiru. Santosh K Misra IAS
Address : District Collector, Collectorate
Kancheepuram District
631501
Phone : O : 044-27237433, 27238478, 27237102
Email : collrkpm@tn.nic.in
Fax :
ISDN for VC : 044-27260503
http://tnmaps.tn.nic.in/district.php?dcode=03
Name :Thiru. Santosh K Misra IAS
Address : District Collector, Collectorate
Kancheepuram District
631501
Phone : O : 044-27237433, 27238478, 27237102
Email : collrkpm@tn.nic.in
Fax :
ISDN for VC : 044-27260503
http://tnmaps.tn.nic.in/district.php?dcode=03
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Mass Telegram to DY CM on 09-July-2009
All affected people of Tharapakkam(EVP Town),Manapakkam,Gerugambakkam are planned to sent Mass Telegrams to Dy CM Mr.Stalin to denotify our land..................on 09-Jul-09
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Govt to mull IPO for Air India: Patel
Govt to mull IPO for Air India 
:Patel
New Delhi, June 01: Government will consider bringing out an Initial Public Offer to infuse funds in Air India, but the exercise will not dilute the carrier's public sector character, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said on Monday.
Taking charge of the Ministry for the second consecutive term of five years, he also made it clear that there would be no further privatisation of airports in the country, although the private sector could invest in this infrastructure area through the greenfield route.
With airlines in India accounting for almost one-third of global industry losses, Patel cautioned the cash-strapped industry against going for "reckless expansion and avoid financial misadventure in these testing times." Air India had earlier proposed to the government for additional equity infusion of Rs 1,231 crore and a soft loan worth Rs 2,750 crore. On infusion of funds in the national carrier to cover its ambitious fleet expansion programme, he said depending on the stock market situation, "the IPO for Air India will be considered.
But the airline will not lose its public sector character and it will not be privatised." He gave the examples of SBI, LIC, ONGC and IOC which have gone in for equity infusion without losing their state-owned character, but declined to give a time-frame for issuance of the IPO.Air India, which has placed orders for 111 new planes worth over Rs 45,000 crore, currently has a paid-up capital of Rs 1,450 crore with an authorised capital of Rs 1,500 crore. Its total losses for FY'09 are estimated around Rs 4,000 crore, up from Rs 2,226 crore in the previous year.
The unfavourable debt-equity ratio forced Air India, which was earlier merged with sister carrier Indian Airlines, to seek urgent infusion of funds. Patel, however, said the idea of IPO was "one area of intent ... it will bring in much-needed liquidity infusion and also accountability" to the airline. "We will try to get AI the money from the government that has been promised, but I can't speak on behalf of the Finance Ministry and neither can I comment on the (impending) Budget," he said in reply to a spate of questions. Regarding upgradation and modernisation of airport and related infrastructure, the Minister made it clear that no more existing airports, operated by the Airports Authority of India, would be divested or privatised.
"We are not going to go for any more disinvestment or take the PPP (private-public partnership) route for any more airports." Noting that AAI was already developing two major airports of Kolkata and Chennai, he said, "We want to let AAI have a good level-playing field. They are also developing major airports at Amritsar and Ahmedabad, besides the non-metro airports."
http://www.zeenews.com/news535821.html
Monday, June 8, 2009
Shortage of CISF personnel hits security at city airport
Shortage of CISF personnel hits security at city airport
CHENNAI: Chennai airport has been identified as one of the most sensitive airports in India. While security agencies and government have been making claims about security arrangements being in place to ward off possible threats, CISF personnel deployed at Chennai airport are struggling to meet demands and working under tremendous presssure.
More than 40% of positions in CISF has remained vacant the past three years. The CISF contingent at Chennai airport has a sanctioned strength of 1,000 personnel, but only around 600 personnel are on duty currently. "We are forced to work continuously 12 hours a day. When voices are made about an administrative lapse, we were threatened and told that since we are a paramilitary force, we are supposed to work like this. Even those in the army do not work like we do - continuously for many hours - unless there is a war or insurgency. Overworking has been routine for us the past three years," a CISF staff member told The Times Of India.
Apart from overwork, CISF personnel are also deprived of leave. According to sources, whenever they apply for leave, applications are turned down, citing short of personnel, sources said. The prolonged stress and mental agony has resulted in CISF personnel on duty at the airport tending to be lethargic and, often, highly irritable. "Passengers are the victims. CISF personnel choose to vent their frustration on passengers during security check. They fail to be cordial.
No amount of courtesy and behaviour training will bring change unless the working hours of the personnel are regulated," a CISF oficial said. Though government is aware of the shortage of personnel, very little had been done to address the issue. "As far as manpower allocation is concerned, Chennai airport is the worst in the country. Shortage of manpower is pardonable for few months. But shortage three years means official apathy," the official added.
Airport sources agreed that shortage of CISF men was affecting proper security at the airport. "Vital points are secured always. However, they have to reduce strength at security check points. The problems are evident when you monitor the airport security," an airport official said. A senior CISF official in Chennai admitted that there was acute shortage of CISF personnel in Chennai airport.
"We had done a survey again, taking into account the enormous increase in flight operation over the past few years and the airport expansion. We are going to get one more terminal. So we had sent a proposal for allocation of additional strength. The proposal is pending with the ministry of home affairs for more than a year. The reason for the delay is not known to us," the official pointed out. The proposal had requested an allocation of around 1,200 CISF personnel for Chennai airport.
raveen.kumar8@timesgroup.com
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Shortage-of-CISF-personnel-hits-security-at-city-airport/articleshow/4625964.cms
CHENNAI: Chennai airport has been identified as one of the most sensitive airports in India. While security agencies and government have been making claims about security arrangements being in place to ward off possible threats, CISF personnel deployed at Chennai airport are struggling to meet demands and working under tremendous presssure.
More than 40% of positions in CISF has remained vacant the past three years. The CISF contingent at Chennai airport has a sanctioned strength of 1,000 personnel, but only around 600 personnel are on duty currently. "We are forced to work continuously 12 hours a day. When voices are made about an administrative lapse, we were threatened and told that since we are a paramilitary force, we are supposed to work like this. Even those in the army do not work like we do - continuously for many hours - unless there is a war or insurgency. Overworking has been routine for us the past three years," a CISF staff member told The Times Of India.
Apart from overwork, CISF personnel are also deprived of leave. According to sources, whenever they apply for leave, applications are turned down, citing short of personnel, sources said. The prolonged stress and mental agony has resulted in CISF personnel on duty at the airport tending to be lethargic and, often, highly irritable. "Passengers are the victims. CISF personnel choose to vent their frustration on passengers during security check. They fail to be cordial.
No amount of courtesy and behaviour training will bring change unless the working hours of the personnel are regulated," a CISF oficial said. Though government is aware of the shortage of personnel, very little had been done to address the issue. "As far as manpower allocation is concerned, Chennai airport is the worst in the country. Shortage of manpower is pardonable for few months. But shortage three years means official apathy," the official added.
Airport sources agreed that shortage of CISF men was affecting proper security at the airport. "Vital points are secured always. However, they have to reduce strength at security check points. The problems are evident when you monitor the airport security," an airport official said. A senior CISF official in Chennai admitted that there was acute shortage of CISF personnel in Chennai airport.
"We had done a survey again, taking into account the enormous increase in flight operation over the past few years and the airport expansion. We are going to get one more terminal. So we had sent a proposal for allocation of additional strength. The proposal is pending with the ministry of home affairs for more than a year. The reason for the delay is not known to us," the official pointed out. The proposal had requested an allocation of around 1,200 CISF personnel for Chennai airport.
raveen.kumar8@timesgroup.com
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Shortage-of-CISF-personnel-hits-security-at-city-airport/articleshow/4625964.cms
City sees dip in international air traffic
City sees dip in international air traffic
CHENNAI: Summer holidays and reduced fares have failed to boost international air passenger traffic in April, which has dipped by 4% compared to the corresponding period last year. Airport officials have reasons to fear that the numbers might go down further in the coming months.
Domestic passenger traffic decreased by 15% while the number of departing passengers alone dipped by 18% in April 2009, compared to the period last year. Consequently, several of the private commercial establishments have notified that they would be closing down their shops in the international and domestic terminals. International passenger departures dipped by 8% while domestic passenger departures came down by 18% in April. "
Departing passengers bring business for shops inside the airport. As footfalls dropped, many of the licensees have intimated that they will be withdrawing from the airport," said an airport official. The shops that will be closing down include a handicraft store, jewellery and a recently-opened lounge. "May is going to be worse. Airlines were hoping that holidays will draw passengers, but that has not happened.
The H1N1 flu threat seems to have added to the woes," the official said. Airlines are also not starting new services or increasing frequencies of existing services. International passenger traffic has been showing a decline month-on-month since December 2008, but it registered an overall increase of 7% last year. However, international aircraft movement has increased by 8%.
In a bid to boost passenger traffic, international airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Lufthansa have been offering attractive fares. When domestic airfares skyrocketed last year, travellers chose to fly abroad. International passenger traffic went up in spite of a decline in the total number of passengers who flew in and out of Chennai airport from April 2008 to March 2009.
Industry experts say that a combination of factors including aggressive promotion by foreign tourism boards and cheaper international airfares helped boost international passenger traffic then. "A couple of airlines started services to new sectors, like Kingfisher Airlines to Colombo, while other increased their frequencies to high-yield routes when routes were rationalised following recession," an AAI official said.
Chennai airport saw a 7% increase in international passenger traffic from 34.1 lakh passengers in 2007-08 to 36.63 lakh in 2008-09 even as domestic passenger traffic declined 15% from 72.47 lakh in 2007-08 to 61.79 lakh last year, according to the statistics compiled by AAI. All that appears to have come to a halt.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/City-sees-dip-in-international-air-traffic/articleshow/4623112.cms
CHENNAI: Summer holidays and reduced fares have failed to boost international air passenger traffic in April, which has dipped by 4% compared to the corresponding period last year. Airport officials have reasons to fear that the numbers might go down further in the coming months.
Domestic passenger traffic decreased by 15% while the number of departing passengers alone dipped by 18% in April 2009, compared to the period last year. Consequently, several of the private commercial establishments have notified that they would be closing down their shops in the international and domestic terminals. International passenger departures dipped by 8% while domestic passenger departures came down by 18% in April. "
Departing passengers bring business for shops inside the airport. As footfalls dropped, many of the licensees have intimated that they will be withdrawing from the airport," said an airport official. The shops that will be closing down include a handicraft store, jewellery and a recently-opened lounge. "May is going to be worse. Airlines were hoping that holidays will draw passengers, but that has not happened.
The H1N1 flu threat seems to have added to the woes," the official said. Airlines are also not starting new services or increasing frequencies of existing services. International passenger traffic has been showing a decline month-on-month since December 2008, but it registered an overall increase of 7% last year. However, international aircraft movement has increased by 8%.
In a bid to boost passenger traffic, international airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Lufthansa have been offering attractive fares. When domestic airfares skyrocketed last year, travellers chose to fly abroad. International passenger traffic went up in spite of a decline in the total number of passengers who flew in and out of Chennai airport from April 2008 to March 2009.
Industry experts say that a combination of factors including aggressive promotion by foreign tourism boards and cheaper international airfares helped boost international passenger traffic then. "A couple of airlines started services to new sectors, like Kingfisher Airlines to Colombo, while other increased their frequencies to high-yield routes when routes were rationalised following recession," an AAI official said.
Chennai airport saw a 7% increase in international passenger traffic from 34.1 lakh passengers in 2007-08 to 36.63 lakh in 2008-09 even as domestic passenger traffic declined 15% from 72.47 lakh in 2007-08 to 61.79 lakh last year, according to the statistics compiled by AAI. All that appears to have come to a halt.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/City-sees-dip-in-international-air-traffic/articleshow/4623112.cms
Govt spells out powers of DyCM Stalin
Govt spells out powers of DyCM Stalin
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai: Soon after MK Stalin was made deputy chief minister, the government has spelt out the scope of his powers. They include vital issues affecting peace and tranquillity in the state and promotions and posting of district judges.
In a standing order issued on June 2, the government made it clear that “cases which affect or are likely to affect the peace and tranquillity of the state or any part there of ” would be looked into by the deputy chief minister. His duties include sanctioning proposals for appointments, postings and promotions of district judges including additional district judges, joint district judges, chief judges, civil court judges, chief metropolitan magistrates, service judges and additional service judges as well as “important changes in the strength or distribution of any police force.”
Stalin’s key functions include proposals for “the making or amendment of any rules, regulations or orders relating to any police force” and posting in the cadre of DSP. The deputy CM’s powers would also extend to all cases in which “it is proposed to deviate from the advice tendered by the state public service commission.”
Other appointments and postings in which Stalin would have a say include that of additional secretaries, joint secretaries, and deputy secretaries to the government and government pleaders, government prosecutors and additional public prosecutors besides other subordinate legal officials of the Madras high court. He will also have a say in cases in which land acquisition proceedings are proposed to be dropped.
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai: Soon after MK Stalin was made deputy chief minister, the government has spelt out the scope of his powers. They include vital issues affecting peace and tranquillity in the state and promotions and posting of district judges.
In a standing order issued on June 2, the government made it clear that “cases which affect or are likely to affect the peace and tranquillity of the state or any part there of ” would be looked into by the deputy chief minister. His duties include sanctioning proposals for appointments, postings and promotions of district judges including additional district judges, joint district judges, chief judges, civil court judges, chief metropolitan magistrates, service judges and additional service judges as well as “important changes in the strength or distribution of any police force.”
Stalin’s key functions include proposals for “the making or amendment of any rules, regulations or orders relating to any police force” and posting in the cadre of DSP. The deputy CM’s powers would also extend to all cases in which “it is proposed to deviate from the advice tendered by the state public service commission.”
Other appointments and postings in which Stalin would have a say include that of additional secretaries, joint secretaries, and deputy secretaries to the government and government pleaders, government prosecutors and additional public prosecutors besides other subordinate legal officials of the Madras high court. He will also have a say in cases in which land acquisition proceedings are proposed to be dropped.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
AAI earmarks Rs 3,000 crore for development of airports across India
AAI earmarks Rs 3,000 crore for development of airports across India
By TBM Staff Mumbai
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has earmarked Rs 3,000 crore for undertaking various developmental works in different airports across the country during 2009-2010, according to D Devaraj, Regional Executive Director (Southern Region), AAI.
According to a UNI report, while talking to media persons after the launching operations of the new two-storeyed Integrated Terminal Building at Tiruchirapalli Airport, which is constructed as per international standards at a cost of Rs 80 crore, Devaraj said the terminal with a capacity to handle 400 passengers at a time has two aerobridges.Devaraj said of the Rs 3,000 crore outlay, Rs 2,000 crore was for carrying out developmental works at Chennai Airport.
The ongoing work at Chennai Airport included expansion of the secondary runway across the Adyar River. The work is expected to be completed by end of next year or early 2011.
Apart from this, Rs 125 crore had been sanctioned for undertaking developmental work at Madurai Airport, Rs 90 crore and 70 crore for Mangalore and Coimbatore Airports respectively. Work on these airports has already commenced. Replying to a question, he said a decision on user charges to be collected from airlines for Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) was yet to be finalised.
The possibility for utilising the existing terminal building for cargo operations will also be explored. He said a private airline had approached AAI for its nod to operate flights between Chennai and Salem and a final decision on this was yet to be taken.
S Sreekumar, Director, Tiruchirapalli Airport said it recorded 4.6 lakh passenger arrivals and departures during 2008-09, registering 18 per cent growth. District Collector T Soundiah, who was present said, AAI had sought 430 acres for expansion of the runway to 12,500 feet from the present 8,000 feet. The required land will be acquired and handed over to the AAI within six months.
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/aai-earmarks-rs-3000-crore-for-development-of-airports-across-india-6755
By TBM Staff Mumbai
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has earmarked Rs 3,000 crore for undertaking various developmental works in different airports across the country during 2009-2010, according to D Devaraj, Regional Executive Director (Southern Region), AAI.
According to a UNI report, while talking to media persons after the launching operations of the new two-storeyed Integrated Terminal Building at Tiruchirapalli Airport, which is constructed as per international standards at a cost of Rs 80 crore, Devaraj said the terminal with a capacity to handle 400 passengers at a time has two aerobridges.Devaraj said of the Rs 3,000 crore outlay, Rs 2,000 crore was for carrying out developmental works at Chennai Airport.
The ongoing work at Chennai Airport included expansion of the secondary runway across the Adyar River. The work is expected to be completed by end of next year or early 2011.
Apart from this, Rs 125 crore had been sanctioned for undertaking developmental work at Madurai Airport, Rs 90 crore and 70 crore for Mangalore and Coimbatore Airports respectively. Work on these airports has already commenced. Replying to a question, he said a decision on user charges to be collected from airlines for Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) was yet to be finalised.
The possibility for utilising the existing terminal building for cargo operations will also be explored. He said a private airline had approached AAI for its nod to operate flights between Chennai and Salem and a final decision on this was yet to be taken.
S Sreekumar, Director, Tiruchirapalli Airport said it recorded 4.6 lakh passenger arrivals and departures during 2008-09, registering 18 per cent growth. District Collector T Soundiah, who was present said, AAI had sought 430 acres for expansion of the runway to 12,500 feet from the present 8,000 feet. The required land will be acquired and handed over to the AAI within six months.
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/aai-earmarks-rs-3000-crore-for-development-of-airports-across-india-6755
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Voltas bags orders worth Rs3bn
Voltas bags orders worth Rs3bn
Voltas' electro-mechancial business has secured two orders worth Rs3bn for electro-mechanical projects for the most prestigious and noteworthy 'new generation' airports in India, namely Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport, and Chennai International airport.
At the new Integrated Passenger Terminal of Kolkata's international airport, Voltas will undertake HVAC, internal electrification, and plumbing & drainage system works, to be completed in 24 months.
NSCBI airport, once completed will be the nation's third largest (after Mumbai and Delhi), built to handle a load of 20 million passengers annually. The challenge is to keep airport operations flowing smoothly while activating new facilities part by part, and simultaneously reconstructing existing buildings.
The Chennai project is for airport expansion, in which Voltas' scope of work includes HVAC, fire protection and internal electrification systems, to be completed in 21 months.
Voltas first proved itself in India's airport sector with Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Executed in 30 months, the project is distinguished by world-class installations for HVAC, internal electrification, plumbing and drainage, and a slew of utilities and low-voltage systems, from fire alarm to building management systems. It also earned the distinction of being the world's second and Asia's first airport to be awarded the LEED certification by the US Green Building Council.
The Hyderabad job showcased the capabilities Voltas had already shown in projects executed in more than 30 countries over the last three-and-a-half decades; the record includes the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chep Lak Kok, Bahrain International Airport, and Al Ain International Airport among others.
http://www.indiainfoline.com/news/innernews.asp?storyId=103349&lmn=1
Voltas' electro-mechancial business has secured two orders worth Rs3bn for electro-mechanical projects for the most prestigious and noteworthy 'new generation' airports in India, namely Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport, and Chennai International airport.
At the new Integrated Passenger Terminal of Kolkata's international airport, Voltas will undertake HVAC, internal electrification, and plumbing & drainage system works, to be completed in 24 months.
NSCBI airport, once completed will be the nation's third largest (after Mumbai and Delhi), built to handle a load of 20 million passengers annually. The challenge is to keep airport operations flowing smoothly while activating new facilities part by part, and simultaneously reconstructing existing buildings.
The Chennai project is for airport expansion, in which Voltas' scope of work includes HVAC, fire protection and internal electrification systems, to be completed in 21 months.
Voltas first proved itself in India's airport sector with Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Executed in 30 months, the project is distinguished by world-class installations for HVAC, internal electrification, plumbing and drainage, and a slew of utilities and low-voltage systems, from fire alarm to building management systems. It also earned the distinction of being the world's second and Asia's first airport to be awarded the LEED certification by the US Green Building Council.
The Hyderabad job showcased the capabilities Voltas had already shown in projects executed in more than 30 countries over the last three-and-a-half decades; the record includes the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chep Lak Kok, Bahrain International Airport, and Al Ain International Airport among others.
http://www.indiainfoline.com/news/innernews.asp?storyId=103349&lmn=1
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Upgrade of Kolkata, Chennai airports to cost Rs 1,000 cr more
NEW DELHI: Modernisation of Chennai and Kolkata airports is expected to cost an additional Rs 1,000 crore over and above the original estimate of Rs 3,750 crore.
"The original estimates have increased and the modernisation of both the airports
is expected to cost about Rs 2,300 crore each," Planning Commission sources told PTI, adding, the issue came up during a meeting to review the implementation of the decisions of high-powered Committee on Infrastructure, which is headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Modernisation of the two airport projects was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in August 2008 at a cost of over Rs 3,750 crore and the work was to be completed within three years. Although the projects are likely to cost more, the work is likely to be completed within stipulated time, the official said without specifying the reasons for the cost escalation.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI), which is implementing the projects, has informed the CoI that work has started on modernisation of the two airports. After completion of the projects, the two airports will be at par with those at Delhi and Mumbai. Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had approval of the modernisation schemes.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Upgrade-of-Kolkata-Chennai-airports-to-cost-Rs-1000-cr-more/articleshow/4561090.cms
"The original estimates have increased and the modernisation of both the airports
is expected to cost about Rs 2,300 crore each," Planning Commission sources told PTI, adding, the issue came up during a meeting to review the implementation of the decisions of high-powered Committee on Infrastructure, which is headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Modernisation of the two airport projects was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in August 2008 at a cost of over Rs 3,750 crore and the work was to be completed within three years. Although the projects are likely to cost more, the work is likely to be completed within stipulated time, the official said without specifying the reasons for the cost escalation.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI), which is implementing the projects, has informed the CoI that work has started on modernisation of the two airports. After completion of the projects, the two airports will be at par with those at Delhi and Mumbai. Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had approval of the modernisation schemes.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Upgrade-of-Kolkata-Chennai-airports-to-cost-Rs-1000-cr-more/articleshow/4561090.cms
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Nearly 100 people use option 49(0), don't vote for anybody
Nearly 100 people use option 49(0), don't vote for anybody
Nearly 100 people 'affected' by the land acquisition made for expansion of the Chennai airport today recorded their protest by making use of a relevant section in the election procedure 49(0) — not casting vote for any particular candidate — during the Lok Sabha elections held here today.
S Karthikeyan, a resident of Tharapakkam, one of the areas which has been earmarked for land acquisition for the project, told PTI that he and the other protesters preferred not to vote "to express anger against the government."
Tharapakkam comes under Sriperumbudur Lok Sabha constituency, where Union Minister T R Baalu is contesting from.
"About 100 affected persons went to the respective booths and signed the Form 17-A (to declare the intention not to vote)," Kartikeyan, spokesperson for the umbrella organisation 'United Forum for People's Survival' said. Under section 49-O, the voter can record his decision not to vote, for which Form 17-A is made available
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/nearly-100-people-use-option-490-don%5Ct-vote-for-anybody/61447/on
Nearly 100 people 'affected' by the land acquisition made for expansion of the Chennai airport today recorded their protest by making use of a relevant section in the election procedure 49(0) — not casting vote for any particular candidate — during the Lok Sabha elections held here today.
S Karthikeyan, a resident of Tharapakkam, one of the areas which has been earmarked for land acquisition for the project, told PTI that he and the other protesters preferred not to vote "to express anger against the government."
Tharapakkam comes under Sriperumbudur Lok Sabha constituency, where Union Minister T R Baalu is contesting from.
"About 100 affected persons went to the respective booths and signed the Form 17-A (to declare the intention not to vote)," Kartikeyan, spokesperson for the umbrella organisation 'United Forum for People's Survival' said. Under section 49-O, the voter can record his decision not to vote, for which Form 17-A is made available
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/nearly-100-people-use-option-490-don%5Ct-vote-for-anybody/61447/on
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Another high: 10,000 cast no-vote
Another high: 10,000 cast no-vote
Despite Training, Polling Officers Caught Unawares On Rule 49(O) Procedures
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai:More than 10,000 people in the city opted for Rule 49(O), which allows the voter to mark his presence at the polling booth, but not cast his vote for any candidate. However, in many cases election officers were caught unawares.
Despite the election department’s claims of having conducted training for polling officers, many of them had no clue about the option. A few officials who knew that it existed, however, were not familiar with the right procedure to be followed. Corporation commissioner and district electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni admitted that the turnout was unexpectedly big.
V Gopalakrishnan, a social activist, was the first at the MGR Corporation School in Chennai South constituency to ask for the Rule 49 (O) option. “The polling officer at booth 136 was totally blank. Then he asked me to ‘vote for some candidate and leave’. When I insisted on entering my refusal to vote in the 17A register, he called the zonal officer, who was equally ignorant. Finally, I called the district electoral officer and, after 90 minutes of struggle, got it done,” said Gopalakrishnan.
Dr S Murugasundaram, a dermatologist and a voter of ward 70 of Kilpauk in Chennai Central, had a similar experience when he went to vote at 8am. “The officer was rude when told about 49(O). He asked me not to create a ruckus and leave the place. However, I stood my ground and registered my refusal to vote,” he said. Several people complained of policemen threatening them when they refused to leave the polling booths without registering their names under Rule 49(O) to prevent bogus voting in their names.
V Anandarajan of Nanganallur, which falls under the Sriperumbudur constituency, found the exercise smoother, but the officer there refused to apply indelible ink on his finger though the rule specifies that ink should be marked on the voter’s finger. All this, despite posters in front of polling booths mentioning the rule and the procedure being explained in the polling officer’s handbook (page 39). According to Gopalakrishnan, what compounded the confusion was the use of the Tamil word ‘padivam’ (form) to describe 17A instead of ‘padivedu’ (register) under rule 49(O). Voters insisted on a form, while all they had to do was to sign in the register which others did, too, and mention in the remarks column ‘refuse to vote’. Admitting there was widespread confusion, corporation commissioner and district electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni said an unexpectedly large number of people opted for rule 49 (O). “Some officials may not have taken the training seriously and nobody anticipated such a large number of people choosing the option,” he said.
In Sriperumbudur constituency, residents affected by the expansion of Chennai airport had pledged to exercise the ‘no vote’ option to express displeasure at the indifference shown by political parties to their plight. But only 60 exercised it at different polling booths in Manapakkam, Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam, Kovur and Tarapakkam in the constituency.
The rest of them chose to boycott the polls, frightened of being harassed by agents of political parties. Brinda Brighton, an office bearer of the United Peoples’ Forum for Survival, formed by affected residents, said: “People are now afraid of local agents of political parties.
There is no privacy in exercising the ‘no vote’ option because we have to ask the presiding officer for form 17A and we are identified by party agents. At least in the next polls, the Election Commission should make it possible for people to exercise the option on the EVMs.”
CASTING THEIR DISPLEASURE More than 10,000 people in the city opted for Rule 49(O), which allows the voter to mark his presence at the booth but not cast his vote for any candidate Despite the election department’s claims of having conducted training for polling officers, many of them had no clue about the option.
Though residents affected by the expansion of Chennai airport had pledged to exercise the no-vote option to express displeasure at the indifference shown by political parties to their plight, only 60 exercised the right
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOINEW/navigator.asp?Daily=TOICH&showST=true&login=default
Despite Training, Polling Officers Caught Unawares On Rule 49(O) Procedures
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai:More than 10,000 people in the city opted for Rule 49(O), which allows the voter to mark his presence at the polling booth, but not cast his vote for any candidate. However, in many cases election officers were caught unawares.
Despite the election department’s claims of having conducted training for polling officers, many of them had no clue about the option. A few officials who knew that it existed, however, were not familiar with the right procedure to be followed. Corporation commissioner and district electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni admitted that the turnout was unexpectedly big.
V Gopalakrishnan, a social activist, was the first at the MGR Corporation School in Chennai South constituency to ask for the Rule 49 (O) option. “The polling officer at booth 136 was totally blank. Then he asked me to ‘vote for some candidate and leave’. When I insisted on entering my refusal to vote in the 17A register, he called the zonal officer, who was equally ignorant. Finally, I called the district electoral officer and, after 90 minutes of struggle, got it done,” said Gopalakrishnan.
Dr S Murugasundaram, a dermatologist and a voter of ward 70 of Kilpauk in Chennai Central, had a similar experience when he went to vote at 8am. “The officer was rude when told about 49(O). He asked me not to create a ruckus and leave the place. However, I stood my ground and registered my refusal to vote,” he said. Several people complained of policemen threatening them when they refused to leave the polling booths without registering their names under Rule 49(O) to prevent bogus voting in their names.
V Anandarajan of Nanganallur, which falls under the Sriperumbudur constituency, found the exercise smoother, but the officer there refused to apply indelible ink on his finger though the rule specifies that ink should be marked on the voter’s finger. All this, despite posters in front of polling booths mentioning the rule and the procedure being explained in the polling officer’s handbook (page 39). According to Gopalakrishnan, what compounded the confusion was the use of the Tamil word ‘padivam’ (form) to describe 17A instead of ‘padivedu’ (register) under rule 49(O). Voters insisted on a form, while all they had to do was to sign in the register which others did, too, and mention in the remarks column ‘refuse to vote’. Admitting there was widespread confusion, corporation commissioner and district electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni said an unexpectedly large number of people opted for rule 49 (O). “Some officials may not have taken the training seriously and nobody anticipated such a large number of people choosing the option,” he said.
In Sriperumbudur constituency, residents affected by the expansion of Chennai airport had pledged to exercise the ‘no vote’ option to express displeasure at the indifference shown by political parties to their plight. But only 60 exercised it at different polling booths in Manapakkam, Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam, Kovur and Tarapakkam in the constituency.
The rest of them chose to boycott the polls, frightened of being harassed by agents of political parties. Brinda Brighton, an office bearer of the United Peoples’ Forum for Survival, formed by affected residents, said: “People are now afraid of local agents of political parties.
There is no privacy in exercising the ‘no vote’ option because we have to ask the presiding officer for form 17A and we are identified by party agents. At least in the next polls, the Election Commission should make it possible for people to exercise the option on the EVMs.”
CASTING THEIR DISPLEASURE More than 10,000 people in the city opted for Rule 49(O), which allows the voter to mark his presence at the booth but not cast his vote for any candidate Despite the election department’s claims of having conducted training for polling officers, many of them had no clue about the option.
Though residents affected by the expansion of Chennai airport had pledged to exercise the no-vote option to express displeasure at the indifference shown by political parties to their plight, only 60 exercised the right
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOINEW/navigator.asp?Daily=TOICH&showST=true&login=default
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)