Citizens, RWAs invited to make Chennai greener – Times of India

Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation has invited individuals and resident welfare associations (RWAs) under the Namakku Naame Thittam scheme to take up greenery works in centre medians of roads. The city corporation said RWAs which come forward to maintain the centre medians can keep their nameboard in one-third of the place, while the civic body will keep its nameboards in two-thirds.
The corporation would be taking up greening work in centre medians in 471 bus route roads across 387km.
The corporation will issue work licenses to individuals or RWAs if they are willing to contribute 50% of the work costs, while the corporation would bear the rest. So far, eight individuals have taken up the offer at a total cost of Rs49 crores.
City corporation commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi said green centre medians add to the beauty of the city. “These are low-cost projects and we are looking for community participation. More than the initial investment, upkeep and maintenance is important,” he told TOI. He said the RWAs or commercial establishments in the vicinity are encouraged to participate and maintain the plants by watering them regularly. “Those interested must get in touch with the zonal officers and get an estimation of the approximate cost of the project,” he said. The commissioner said if 50% of the cost is given by the donor, the work can be taken by the donor itself as per the guidelines. “If the donor is willing to give 30% of the funding, the corporation will give the remaining 70% and will also float tenders,” he said.