MPs, MLAs in Chennai take babus to task – Times of India

Chennai News

CHENNAI: There was obviously a reason why the previous AIADMK government did not convene the district development coordination and monitoring committee (DISHA) involving all elected representatives.
On Saturday, all the three members of parliament, plus the dozen-odd MLAs, from Chennai turned out in full strength and hauled authorities of the Greater Chennai Corporation and other state agencies over the coals over civic schemes, their quality and expenditure.
The GCC, TN Slum Clearance Board, Tangedco and Metrowater were taken to task by MLAs and MPs who comprised the district development coordination and monitoring committee (DISHA) in Chennai. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chennai (Central) MP Dayanidhi Maran on Saturday.
Sources said all MLAs and MPs had come well prepared and asked tough questions to officials regarding schemes funded by central government funds. For instance, due to overnight rains, there was water-logging in areas of North Chennai. The North Chennai MP, V Kalanidhi, and other MLAs raised questions about the fund allocation to North Chennai and poor infrastructure of drains and sewage system. “Only Rs 55 crore has been allocated to north Chennai works which is low compared to other parts of the city,” Kalanidhi said in the meeting, sources said.
Dayanidhi Maran told TOI that he raised questions about implementation of the desalination plant which would be providing drinking water to the city and the slow pace of work. “It has been ongoing for 3-4 years now. Chennai does not have paucity of water currently, but we need to plan for the future,” he said.
Mylapore MLA Dha Velu told TOI that he raised questions about slum clearance board tenements and other works not having taken environment clearance.
Dr N Ezhilan, MLA representing Thousand Lights constituency, said all MLAs came well prepared despite being given just two days’ notice. “We asked for at least 10 days’ notice for such meetings so that we would inspect specific projects prior to the meeting,” he said.
Dr Ezhilan said he raised issues about the lack of coordination between officials of GCC, TNSCB and CMWSSB as far as civic issues are concerned. Other issues like the MRTS extension project and integration with Chennai Metro Rail were also taken up.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mps-mlas-in-chennai-take-babus-to-task/articleshow/85528616.cms