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
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Monday, May 11, 2009
Airport expansion victims to cast zero votes
CHENNAI: The words of T R Baalu was all it took for those affected by the airport expansion plan in Sriperumbudur constituency to decide on Zero voting during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
On Monday, the affected residents of Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Geragambakkam and Tarapakkam met Baalu to discuss their predicament, but the response from the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways was, “Airport expansion is in national interest, for which one has to make sacrifices.” He even went on to cite how he had given up his own land in Thanjavur for the sake of national interest.
The Airport Authority of India had notified 939 acres for a parallel runway.
“This would result in the eviction of 947 dwelling houses, 250 semi constructed houses, 2,000 approved plots, 14 brick kilns, an international school with 2,000 students, 15 small scale industries, 500 acres of agricultural land, livelihood of 25,000 people and last but not the least, the lives of 500,000 people,” said Brindha, a resident of this area and the leader of the resident’s movement to protect their lands, under the banner ‘United People Forum for Survival’.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Airport+expansion+victims+to+cast+zero+votes&artid=q/O/Ao/OkA8=&SectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=rSY%7C6QYp3kQ=&SEO=Sriperumbudur%20constituency,T%20R%20Baalu
On Monday, the affected residents of Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Geragambakkam and Tarapakkam met Baalu to discuss their predicament, but the response from the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways was, “Airport expansion is in national interest, for which one has to make sacrifices.” He even went on to cite how he had given up his own land in Thanjavur for the sake of national interest.
The Airport Authority of India had notified 939 acres for a parallel runway.
“This would result in the eviction of 947 dwelling houses, 250 semi constructed houses, 2,000 approved plots, 14 brick kilns, an international school with 2,000 students, 15 small scale industries, 500 acres of agricultural land, livelihood of 25,000 people and last but not the least, the lives of 500,000 people,” said Brindha, a resident of this area and the leader of the resident’s movement to protect their lands, under the banner ‘United People Forum for Survival’.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Airport+expansion+victims+to+cast+zero+votes&artid=q/O/Ao/OkA8=&SectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=rSY%7C6QYp3kQ=&SEO=Sriperumbudur%20constituency,T%20R%20Baalu
Airport expansion: No vote
Airport expansion: No vote
Chennai: The United Peoples’ Forum for Survival is a forum formed by the people affected by the Chennai airport expansion project, has decided to boycott the general elections if no political party comes forward to give an assurance to de-notify the project.
The forum coordinated by the affected residents of Manapakkam, Gerugumpakkam, Kolapakkam, Tharapakkam and Kovur have also stated that they would support any party that will promise the de-notification.
The forum demanded immediate de-notification of the acquisition plan of excess 939 acres of land, which was allotted for the parallel runway.
When Airport Authority of India considers Greenfield Airport to be more advisable, why should they proceed with the land acquisition which affects the livelihood of more than a lakh of people.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/aiadmk-reaches-out-students-722
Residents affected by airport expansion to boycott elections
MAKING A STAND: A file picture showing social activist Medha Patkar with residents protesting in ManapakkamResidents affected by airport expansion to boycott elections
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Chennai: Irked by political indifference to their demands, residents of Manapakkam, Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam, Tarapakkam and Kovur have decided to either boycott the polls or exercise the right ‘not to vote’ under Rule 49 (O) of the Conduct of Election Rules.
These villages, which house about 2,500 families and 5,000 voters, come under the Sriperumbudur constituency and the land here has been marked for acquisition to construct a parallel runway for the airport.
“We will not support any political party unless political parties give an undertaking that they will de-notify the 939 acres of land marked for acquisition,” said representatives of the United Peoples’ Forum for Survival, formed by residents whose land has been notified for acquisition for more than a year.
At a press conference, Brinda Brighton, an office-bearer of the forum, said “we have been raising this demand for a while, but none of the candidates has made any commitment to save us. This has not figured as an issue in the campaigning also. So, residents and their well wishers will also boycott the polls.”
In addition to the 130 acres of land handed over for extending the secondary runway, the state government has notified around 939 acres of land in these villages for constructing a parallel runway. However, the state government had not only failed to acquire the land for over a year, but also had kept the residents in the dark about the status of the move.
“We want the government to go ahead with the Greenfield airport instead of spending huge money to build a parallel runway. The runway will take away 947 houses, 250 semi-constructed houses, 2,000 approved plots, 14 brick kilns, an international school with 2,000 students, 15 small-scale industries, and 500 acres of agriculture land,” Brighton said.
Recently, residents brought social activist Medha Patkar and staged a protest meet at Manapakkam urging the government to de-notify the land marked for acquisition and demanding the government to go ahead with the Greenfield airport.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Airport runway expansion by May-end
Airport runway expansion by May-end
CHENNAI: A final word on the runway expansions at Chenai airport would emerge by the end of May after a meeting scheduled in Delhi this month. This was stated by the Airports Authority of India Chairman, V P Agarwal, who was on an inspection visit to Chennai on Saturday.
The expansion and renovation plans of the main and secondary runways with appended link and taxiways that was to begin in the first week of April had been stalled owing to approval delays on the project by the airport authorities in Delhi after a representation was made by the airline operators on the non-viability of the project in the face of losses that they are already facing.
“There was only a coordination issue on the project with the airlines which will most probably be sorted out by the end of this month and we will have a decision then,” he said. On queries related to the radar failure, Agarwal agreed that a new radar was long overdue.
“Chennai will have two new radars, which have already been tendered for and will now be recalled. One radar will be installed by the end of 2009 and the other one will come in a phased manner,” Agarwal said.
A total modernisation of the ATC tower is also in the offing where more automated processes will be brought in at a cost of Rs 140 crore on lines of what is available in Delhi and Mumbai.
Greenfield airport decision awaits ICAO report:
On being queried on the greenfield airport, Agarwal said that they were awaiting a detailed report, which was likely to be ready in the next two months, and if everything went well, the airport would come up in a joint venture with TIDCO if there was no scope for a parallel runway at the existing airport.
“If a greenfield airport comes, it’ll take care of requirements of passengers for the next 30 years and if everything goes well for that project it can be done within three years in the Sriperumbudur area. In that case, we don’t have to look at the high investments in procuring land for the parallel runway at the existing airport,” he said.
Comments
Now that the Chairman of AAI has agreed in public that the Green field Airport is the right alternative than going for the parallel runway, let's hope the government to will take immediate steps and de-notify the areas already notified for Parallel runway which will enable the residents there to continue with their normal life and re-start the construction activities stalled for 2 years. This decision to do away with the parallel runway saves a lot of public money from being wasted and greenfield airport is the only futuristic decision chennai needs.
By S Brighton 5/10/2009 11:23:00 PM
It makes sense for AAI to go for new greenfield airport with futuristic approach than try to expand the run, giving hardships thru land acquisition. Though Sriperumpudur would also witness similar land acquisition (it isn't really practical, otherwise), impact on land owners and environment will be significantly less. I hope AAI initiate new greenfield airport project ASAP, to realize the airport up and running by 2014.
By ramki 5/10/2009 7:01:00 PM
Absolutely now that AAI realised the realty, and hope they would stall the land acquisition programme on it's surroundings, thus, heaving a sigh of relief to the residents there instead. On the other hand, AAI should start implementing the new greenfield airport at Sriperumpudur at the earliest possible, in order to meet the requirements for the next 30 years or so.
By Jeeva 5/10/2009 1:16:00 PM
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Airport+runway+expansion+by+May-end&artid=yFryHP1U6GY=&SectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&MainSectionID=XT7e3Zkr/lw=&SectionName=rSY%7C6QYp3kQ=&SEO=Airports%20Authority%20of%20India%20Chairman,%20V%20P%20Agarwal
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