Dear all,
There will be a HUMAN CHAIN on 31-12-2007(Mondya) from MIOT Hospital to PORUR.
Arund 5,000 People from Manapakkam,Kollapakkam,Gerugambakkam and Tharapakkam(EVP Town) are joining the HUMAN CHAIN.
Assembling Time: 2.00 P.M in MANAPAKKAM BUS TOP.
Around 2.30 HUMAN CHAIN STARTS FROM MIOT HOSPITAL.
Please make your presence with your family members and save the life of 5000 People.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Budget for Human Chain Programme
Budget for Human Chain Programme
1 Banners Rs.18,000.00
2Ply Cards Rs. 8,000.00
3Badges R.s 10,000.00
4Refreshments R.s 20,000.00
5Hand Bills R.s 10,000.00
6Transport R.s 15,000.00
7Medicine R.s 2,000.00
8PA System R.s1,000.00
9Stage R.s1,000.00
10 Press Meet 24 - 12 -07 R.s10,000.00
11Stationery & Printing R.s10,000.00
12Press Media R.s15,000.00
13Miscellaneous R.s10,000.00
TOTAL 130,000.00 (Rupees one lakh thirty thousand only).
Please collect the receipt for the payment given. Cheques can be drawn in favour of
United Peoples' Forum for Survival Payable at Chennai
1 Banners Rs.18,000.00
2Ply Cards Rs. 8,000.00
3Badges R.s 10,000.00
4Refreshments R.s 20,000.00
5Hand Bills R.s 10,000.00
6Transport R.s 15,000.00
7Medicine R.s 2,000.00
8PA System R.s1,000.00
9Stage R.s1,000.00
10 Press Meet 24 - 12 -07 R.s10,000.00
11Stationery & Printing R.s10,000.00
12Press Media R.s15,000.00
13Miscellaneous R.s10,000.00
TOTAL 130,000.00 (Rupees one lakh thirty thousand only).
Please collect the receipt for the payment given. Cheques can be drawn in favour of
United Peoples' Forum for Survival Payable at Chennai
Requesting Sponsorship for Conducting Human Chain Awareness
Ref : UPFFS/03
Date : December 27, 2007
Dear Sir,
Sub: Requesting Sponsorship for Conducting Human Chain Awareness
Programme – reg.
We are a non alliance forum and are planning to have a Human Chain Programme to create awareness about the environmental and ecological problems associated with the current proposed expansion of Chennai airport at Meenampakkam to have a parallel runway to the north of the Adyar River.
Our main agenda is to create public awareness and to bring it to the notice of the Chief Minister.
As most of the people affected in this region are poor were unable to contribute for this noble cause. So we request your good self to contribute in cash or kind based on the enclosed list of requirements for the programme and the entire 500,000 people who will be saved by this will be thankful to you.
Awaiting your kind co-operation we remain
Thanking you
Yours truly,
Mrs. Brindha Brighton
(Secretary)
Enclosures:-
Budget for the programme
Leaflet describing the problem
Date : December 27, 2007
Dear Sir,
Sub: Requesting Sponsorship for Conducting Human Chain Awareness
Programme – reg.
We are a non alliance forum and are planning to have a Human Chain Programme to create awareness about the environmental and ecological problems associated with the current proposed expansion of Chennai airport at Meenampakkam to have a parallel runway to the north of the Adyar River.
Our main agenda is to create public awareness and to bring it to the notice of the Chief Minister.
As most of the people affected in this region are poor were unable to contribute for this noble cause. So we request your good self to contribute in cash or kind based on the enclosed list of requirements for the programme and the entire 500,000 people who will be saved by this will be thankful to you.
Awaiting your kind co-operation we remain
Thanking you
Yours truly,
Mrs. Brindha Brighton
(Secretary)
Enclosures:-
Budget for the programme
Leaflet describing the problem
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Radio taxis set to storm airports, cities in south
NEW DELHI: As a part of its ambitious expansion, Carzonrent India Private Limited plans to tap the market in south Indian cities by launching its popular radio taxi services.
"Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad are the immediate focus market for the company," said Rajiv K Vij, Managing Director Carzonrent India (P) Ltd, talking about the firm's foray into the Southern market.
The firm has bid for tenders floated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd and Bangalore International Airport to operate radio taxis. Both these airports will be operational in the first quarter of 2008.
Carzonrent, which is the sole licensee for Hertz International in India, had launched the Easy Cab services with 350 radio taxis in the national Capital in December 2006.
"We are planning to hit the road with a fleet of 1000 easy cabs each at both these airports," Vij said adding that firm had earmarked Rs 100 crore to buy these cabs that are fitted state-of-the-art technology like GPRS technology, digital fare meters and thermal printers for issuing bill.
Besides operating in these airports, Carzonrent is also planning to serve the locals in both cities. "We plan to introduce around 500 easy cabs each in these cities", said Sakshi Vij, marketing manager, who had toured the South recently to ascertain market potential in both the cyber cities.
A recruitment drive is on to induct 7000 chauffeurs who will serve in these two cities. To make the ride in the easy cabs a pleasant experience all the selected chauffeurs are being subjected to written, spoken, attitude, psychology, road knowledge and behaviour.
In Chennai, the firm is planning to launch 250 radio taxis initially in the New Year. Modelled on the lines of Yellow Cabs in New York, the USA, and Comfort Cabs in Singapore, Easy cabs is also offering swipe machines for payments through credit cards. For this purpose, Easy Cabs has tied up with ICICI bank.
Vij, who broke even with 10-12 per cent profitability after launching the service with 350 cabs in the Capital, is planning to strengthen the fleet in the city with 300 more such cabs. Pune and Jaipur will be other second- tier cities where the firm plans to set its foot soon.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEB20071227141820&Page=B&Headline=Radio+taxis+set+to+storm+airports%2C+cities+in+south&Title=Business&Topic=0
"Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad are the immediate focus market for the company," said Rajiv K Vij, Managing Director Carzonrent India (P) Ltd, talking about the firm's foray into the Southern market.
The firm has bid for tenders floated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd and Bangalore International Airport to operate radio taxis. Both these airports will be operational in the first quarter of 2008.
Carzonrent, which is the sole licensee for Hertz International in India, had launched the Easy Cab services with 350 radio taxis in the national Capital in December 2006.
"We are planning to hit the road with a fleet of 1000 easy cabs each at both these airports," Vij said adding that firm had earmarked Rs 100 crore to buy these cabs that are fitted state-of-the-art technology like GPRS technology, digital fare meters and thermal printers for issuing bill.
Besides operating in these airports, Carzonrent is also planning to serve the locals in both cities. "We plan to introduce around 500 easy cabs each in these cities", said Sakshi Vij, marketing manager, who had toured the South recently to ascertain market potential in both the cyber cities.
A recruitment drive is on to induct 7000 chauffeurs who will serve in these two cities. To make the ride in the easy cabs a pleasant experience all the selected chauffeurs are being subjected to written, spoken, attitude, psychology, road knowledge and behaviour.
In Chennai, the firm is planning to launch 250 radio taxis initially in the New Year. Modelled on the lines of Yellow Cabs in New York, the USA, and Comfort Cabs in Singapore, Easy cabs is also offering swipe machines for payments through credit cards. For this purpose, Easy Cabs has tied up with ICICI bank.
Vij, who broke even with 10-12 per cent profitability after launching the service with 350 cabs in the Capital, is planning to strengthen the fleet in the city with 300 more such cabs. Pune and Jaipur will be other second- tier cities where the firm plans to set its foot soon.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEB20071227141820&Page=B&Headline=Radio+taxis+set+to+storm+airports%2C+cities+in+south&Title=Business&Topic=0
Cos line up for Kolkata, Chennai airports
NEW DELHI: Global construction majors have lined up for the Rs 3,700-crore airport modernisation plans in Kolkata and Chennai. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has received 11 applications for the Rs 1,900-cr Kolkata project and 14 for the Rs 1,800-crore Chennai expansion programme.
Apart from Indian majors like L&T (which is building both the Delhi and Mumbai airports), the global names include Greece's AEGEK General Construction; Malaysia's Muhibbah Engineering and Britain's largest privately-owned construction firm Laing O'Rourke. The AAI is also going to appoint a project management consultant who would oversee the implementation of these two projects on a turnkey basis. Firms like US-based Louis Berger have applied for becoming the consultants.
AAI has taken up Chennai and Kolkata airports as a sort of challenge, mainly to prove a point that it can also build good airports, especially when private majors like GMR and GVK already implementing projects in Delhi and Mumbai airports.
"Several leading construction firms from Korea, Thailand, US, Europe and some Indian top names have applied for building the two airports. Both Chennai and Kolkata have to get integrated domestic-cum-international terminals. Chennai would see major work on the runway too," said a senior official.
The AAI has projected a total investment of Rs 12,430 crore in the 11th plan and a bulk of this would happen over the next three years when airports in Kolkata, Chennai, 35 non-metros, Agatti, Leh and J&K would be upgraded. In addition, the authority will also undertake major modernisation work on air traffic management and communication and navigation services.
"The next fiscal will see an investment of Rs 3,000 crore. We will raise about Rs 1,000 crore from the market using instruments like bonds and ECBs. Given our AAA rating, getting funds is not an issue. We are already being approached by banks," said the official.
The AAI will build terminals and operational areas in the non-metros and do complete modernisation at Kolkata and Chennai. The city-side development at non-metros will be done the PPP way. Already infrastructure majors like GMR, GVK, L&T and Omaxe have expressed interests in the city side projects that would include developing parking areas, hotels and commercial areas inside the terminals.
India is projected to witness an investment of Rs 41,000 crore in airport sector through private, AAI and JV ventures that could take the number of operational airports from over 100 to nearly 500.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/Cos_line_up_for_Kolkata_Chennai_airports/articleshow/2656652.cms
Apart from Indian majors like L&T (which is building both the Delhi and Mumbai airports), the global names include Greece's AEGEK General Construction; Malaysia's Muhibbah Engineering and Britain's largest privately-owned construction firm Laing O'Rourke. The AAI is also going to appoint a project management consultant who would oversee the implementation of these two projects on a turnkey basis. Firms like US-based Louis Berger have applied for becoming the consultants.
AAI has taken up Chennai and Kolkata airports as a sort of challenge, mainly to prove a point that it can also build good airports, especially when private majors like GMR and GVK already implementing projects in Delhi and Mumbai airports.
"Several leading construction firms from Korea, Thailand, US, Europe and some Indian top names have applied for building the two airports. Both Chennai and Kolkata have to get integrated domestic-cum-international terminals. Chennai would see major work on the runway too," said a senior official.
The AAI has projected a total investment of Rs 12,430 crore in the 11th plan and a bulk of this would happen over the next three years when airports in Kolkata, Chennai, 35 non-metros, Agatti, Leh and J&K would be upgraded. In addition, the authority will also undertake major modernisation work on air traffic management and communication and navigation services.
"The next fiscal will see an investment of Rs 3,000 crore. We will raise about Rs 1,000 crore from the market using instruments like bonds and ECBs. Given our AAA rating, getting funds is not an issue. We are already being approached by banks," said the official.
The AAI will build terminals and operational areas in the non-metros and do complete modernisation at Kolkata and Chennai. The city-side development at non-metros will be done the PPP way. Already infrastructure majors like GMR, GVK, L&T and Omaxe have expressed interests in the city side projects that would include developing parking areas, hotels and commercial areas inside the terminals.
India is projected to witness an investment of Rs 41,000 crore in airport sector through private, AAI and JV ventures that could take the number of operational airports from over 100 to nearly 500.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/Cos_line_up_for_Kolkata_Chennai_airports/articleshow/2656652.cms
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
From
UNITED PEOPLE’S FORUM FOR SURVIVAL(UPFFS)
AFFECTED PEOPLE OF IN THE VILLAGES OF MANAPAKKAM, KOLAPAKKAM, GERUGAMPAKKAM & THARAPAKKAM
Date: 24th December, 2007
Chennai Airport Expansion Programme
About Us
UPFFS is a democratic forum established to safeguard democratic processes and citizens’ rights by the people of Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam & Tharapakkam. The forum is non-political, non-profit, secular, non-exclusive and works to support governments in democratic implementation of development plans.
Key Factors
1. The expansion plans for the existing Chennai Airport at Meenampakkam is leading up to an Environmental disaster in the neighbourhood. The surrounding low lying areas will be completely flooded even with rainfall as low as 45mm. The proposed runway will obstruct the draining of the high-lying areas into the Adyar river during the monsoon when much higher rainfall is expected thus flooding the neighbourhood.
2. The expansion extends into the Class I residential area and is very close to the highly populated Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam, Tharapakkam, Mugalivakkam, Moulivakkam and Porur thus increasing the noise pollution and the Air pollution causing environmental problems and jeopardising the physical and mental well-being of all the residents in the area.
3. All of the layouts in this region were approved and granted building permission by CMDA only after obtaining necessary clearances including from AAI.
4. Even as per the AAI draft plan the sanctioned extension of the secondary runway requires only 156 acres of land. This small change can accommodate huge volumes in Air traffic up to year 2016 (Civil Aviation Ministries’ Press Release dated 13.11.07).
5. The secondary runway will cater to requirements up to year 2016 when the AAI plans to launch the New Green Field Airport to cater to Air traffic growth up to year 2050. The need for Third Runway (Parallel runway) at the existing Chennai Airport therefore, needs to be re-evaluated.
6. Why is it necessary for the State Government to acquire 1069.99 acres of land for the Chennai Airport expansion when the AAI needs only 156 acres of land, which can be done without affecting any of the residential neighbourhoods? The total acquisition is going to cost the State Exchequer Rs.2000 Crores.
7. This land acquisition is going to cost 1000 families, almost 5000 individuals to lose their property, livelihood and mental well-being.
8. It will affect the livelihood of thousands of families who work in the traditional Brick kilns which are also being acquired for the expansion of the Airport.
9. Access to Pallavaram will be around the expanded periphery of the Airport. The remaining residents are going to face hardship as they have to take a 25 km detour to their workplaces.
Current Scenario
Govt of Tamil Nadu has issued Notification vide ref GO 108 dt 19/10/07 towards Land Acquisition of 1069.99 acres at Manapakkan, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam and Tharapakkam towards Expansion of Chennai Airport to build a parallel runway
Airport Authority has now decided to extend the existing secondary shorter runway which requires only 156 acres of land so that they can use two runways. This extension may not be as efficient as the parallel runway but will cater to the needs up to 2016.
The Green Field Airport which is the only proper solution to the Airways development of the City is expected to be ready at 2016.
The Government of Tamil Nadu proposes however, to acquire 1069.99 acres of land at a cost of more than Rs. 2000 Crores to be given to AAI free of cost.
The proposed cost of expansion of the Airport until 2016 is estimated as 1800 crores. This is a huge cost considering the duration of usage which is only upto 2015.
The known fact is that the current Chennai Airport aircraft operation is restricted to a “congested traffic environment” because of the activities in Indian Air Force station in Tambaram, INS Rajaji Naval Air Base in Arakonam, the new Sriperumbudur Commercial training facility, St. Thomas Mount hillock on the flight path and another hill near Tirusoolam railway station with in firing range.
Environmental Hazard Flooding:-
Expansion of Secondary Runway:-
When the Culverts are built across the river the amount of water flowing through the culverts will be only 60% of the normal flow. The airport runway and parking bays will be elevated to avoid flooding. During heavy rain as in 2005, the water will drain into low lying areas like Polichalur, Anangaputhur and Pammal, flooding them.
The Airport being in a low-lying area was flooded in year 2005 and the Airport Authorities had to break the periphery wall to let the water out. (Photos attached)
Construction of Parallel runway:-
The areas of Porur, Mathananthapuram, Moulivakkam etc are higher regions (50 Ft above sea level) and during rain, the rainwater flows from these areas towards Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam and Tharapakkam (32 Ft above sea level) to drain into the Adyar river. The parallel runway and peripheral wall will restrict the water drainage into the Adyar causing serious flooding of not only the Airport itself but also the entire neighbourhood.
A similar case where the course of the Methi River is diverted in Mumbai by the Airport expansion is the cause for the regular flood in the city of Mumbai every year.
Flooding poses a serious threat and endanger the lives and property and livelihood of more than 500,000 people living in this area. This is going to be a regular phenomenon every year. This is unacceptable and unsustainable short term development plan just to expand a business establishment. This is at huge costs and hazard to citizens and environment in the long term.
Noise Pollution:- The Aircrafts create a lot of noise eswhile landing and taking off. In this Class I residential area (As classified by Town Planning) during night when air crafts land and take off people will have disturbed sleep which will lead to a lot of complications. This will create a lot of health hazards both physical and psychological.
Even children here will be born with congenital deficiencies due to this. In Hong Kong before the new airport was built the airport was inside the city. Due to the above mentioned noise pollution and its consequences the air port was shut down during nights.
Air Pollution:-The jet fuel exhausts also pose a major contribution to air pollution to the already polluted city. This contributes to the global warming which is considered very seriously by the global community.
Points against Current Expansion:-No where in the world new Airports are built inside the city. In case of our Chennai airport the current expansion plan caters only to a short period of time after which it must be moved anyway to the bigger and better Green Field airport.
1. The expansion of the existing Airport is going to cost Phase I -1800 Crores, Land Acquisition Rs. 2000 Crores and an undisclosed amount in Phase II. All these expenses are being incurred for a short-term benefit of 5 years, after which further expansion is required which is impossible to do inside the city.
2. The Green Field Airport however, is a long term project where the investment required is lower compared to the cost of land acquisition inside the city. Much more land can be acquired outside the city at the same cost thus building a much larger expandable facility.
3. Investing crores of rupees of tax payer’s money for a stop gap arrangement at huge cost to the citizen and environment is a short-sighted and wasteful.
4. If the Green Field Airport is not implemented immediately the place of the proposed area will also be acquired by others and be no longer available to the AAI. Then the New Airport will have to be constructed in a very faraway place.
5. The expansion inside the city is causing a lot of ecological problems and threat to the lives of more than five lakhs people. It is causing the problem to ecology and environment and causing flood to the neighborhoods.
VIABLE ALTERNATIVES
Airport Authorities Predicts around 50 Aircraft movements per hour by the year 2015-16 in Chennai airport for which the current expansion is planned.
This traffic can be achieved by doing the following without expanding the airport.
Switch to RNP (Required Navigation performance) setup which is satellite based than the existing VOR, which is Radar based. Through this the performance of air traffic control can be enhanced (Gatwick Airport UK, is handling around 80 Aircrafts per hour with single runway). All the Aircrafts are already equipped with this RNP system. Only the ground system is to be installed. Economically this will be much lesser than the cost involved in land acquisition and construction for expansion.
Use secondary runway for slower ATR aircrafts and main runway for Jets. This can enhance the traffic as ATRs will take more time to land and take off, approx 1.5 times compared to Jet flights.
Build a wider parallel taxiway and high speed exits in the existing primary runway. This will help Aircrafts clear off the runway much quicker allowing the next flight to land faster.
The above points have been suggested by a renowned columnist and Airfield Expert Capt. Mohan Ranganathan.
Appeal When the actual requirement of land is only around 300 acres according to new proposal by Civil Aviation press release dated 13-Nov-07, the Tamil Nadu State Government acquiring 1069 acres is not justified.
The Tamil Nadu State Government decision to acquire land in these areas instead of originally proposed area, because of the protest by people of POZHICHALUR supported by their alliance party PMK, is UNILATERAL.
The current expansion poses a heavy threat of flood in surrounding areas of Pozhichalur, Porur, Madhananthapuram, Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam, Tharapakkam and Kovur.
Since the expansion is only for an interim need until 2015-16, investment can be made only for purposes that are actually required to manage traffic until 2015-16 thus minimizing the financial and social costs as much as possible.
If the Green Field Airport is delayed then the land for Green Field airport will be available only in the places like Vellore which are very far off from the city due to further development in the currently proposed area. This is not going to help in the economical growth of the city.
The State Government should consider avoiding distress to the people in this region. The people should not be impacted for the sake of an interim solution that is not really required.
Hence, the Tamil Nadu State Government should revise the GO dated 09.10.07 for acquiring 1069 acres to what ever is actually required.
We hope and pray that you will understand our terrible situation and save us from land acquisition.
We the citizens: grandparents, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and grand children, in tears, solemnly request all assistance possible to save our township and let us live here for ever in peace.
From
UNITED PEOPLE’S FORUM FOR SURVIVAL(UPFFS)
AFFECTED PEOPLE OF IN THE VILLAGES OF MANAPAKKAM, KOLAPAKKAM, GERUGAMPAKKAM & THARAPAKKAM
Date: 24th December, 2007
Chennai Airport Expansion Programme
About Us
UPFFS is a democratic forum established to safeguard democratic processes and citizens’ rights by the people of Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam & Tharapakkam. The forum is non-political, non-profit, secular, non-exclusive and works to support governments in democratic implementation of development plans.
Key Factors
1. The expansion plans for the existing Chennai Airport at Meenampakkam is leading up to an Environmental disaster in the neighbourhood. The surrounding low lying areas will be completely flooded even with rainfall as low as 45mm. The proposed runway will obstruct the draining of the high-lying areas into the Adyar river during the monsoon when much higher rainfall is expected thus flooding the neighbourhood.
2. The expansion extends into the Class I residential area and is very close to the highly populated Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam, Tharapakkam, Mugalivakkam, Moulivakkam and Porur thus increasing the noise pollution and the Air pollution causing environmental problems and jeopardising the physical and mental well-being of all the residents in the area.
3. All of the layouts in this region were approved and granted building permission by CMDA only after obtaining necessary clearances including from AAI.
4. Even as per the AAI draft plan the sanctioned extension of the secondary runway requires only 156 acres of land. This small change can accommodate huge volumes in Air traffic up to year 2016 (Civil Aviation Ministries’ Press Release dated 13.11.07).
5. The secondary runway will cater to requirements up to year 2016 when the AAI plans to launch the New Green Field Airport to cater to Air traffic growth up to year 2050. The need for Third Runway (Parallel runway) at the existing Chennai Airport therefore, needs to be re-evaluated.
6. Why is it necessary for the State Government to acquire 1069.99 acres of land for the Chennai Airport expansion when the AAI needs only 156 acres of land, which can be done without affecting any of the residential neighbourhoods? The total acquisition is going to cost the State Exchequer Rs.2000 Crores.
7. This land acquisition is going to cost 1000 families, almost 5000 individuals to lose their property, livelihood and mental well-being.
8. It will affect the livelihood of thousands of families who work in the traditional Brick kilns which are also being acquired for the expansion of the Airport.
9. Access to Pallavaram will be around the expanded periphery of the Airport. The remaining residents are going to face hardship as they have to take a 25 km detour to their workplaces.
Current Scenario
Govt of Tamil Nadu has issued Notification vide ref GO 108 dt 19/10/07 towards Land Acquisition of 1069.99 acres at Manapakkan, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam and Tharapakkam towards Expansion of Chennai Airport to build a parallel runway
Airport Authority has now decided to extend the existing secondary shorter runway which requires only 156 acres of land so that they can use two runways. This extension may not be as efficient as the parallel runway but will cater to the needs up to 2016.
The Green Field Airport which is the only proper solution to the Airways development of the City is expected to be ready at 2016.
The Government of Tamil Nadu proposes however, to acquire 1069.99 acres of land at a cost of more than Rs. 2000 Crores to be given to AAI free of cost.
The proposed cost of expansion of the Airport until 2016 is estimated as 1800 crores. This is a huge cost considering the duration of usage which is only upto 2015.
The known fact is that the current Chennai Airport aircraft operation is restricted to a “congested traffic environment” because of the activities in Indian Air Force station in Tambaram, INS Rajaji Naval Air Base in Arakonam, the new Sriperumbudur Commercial training facility, St. Thomas Mount hillock on the flight path and another hill near Tirusoolam railway station with in firing range.
Environmental Hazard Flooding:-
Expansion of Secondary Runway:-
When the Culverts are built across the river the amount of water flowing through the culverts will be only 60% of the normal flow. The airport runway and parking bays will be elevated to avoid flooding. During heavy rain as in 2005, the water will drain into low lying areas like Polichalur, Anangaputhur and Pammal, flooding them.
The Airport being in a low-lying area was flooded in year 2005 and the Airport Authorities had to break the periphery wall to let the water out. (Photos attached)
Construction of Parallel runway:-
The areas of Porur, Mathananthapuram, Moulivakkam etc are higher regions (50 Ft above sea level) and during rain, the rainwater flows from these areas towards Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam and Tharapakkam (32 Ft above sea level) to drain into the Adyar river. The parallel runway and peripheral wall will restrict the water drainage into the Adyar causing serious flooding of not only the Airport itself but also the entire neighbourhood.
A similar case where the course of the Methi River is diverted in Mumbai by the Airport expansion is the cause for the regular flood in the city of Mumbai every year.
Flooding poses a serious threat and endanger the lives and property and livelihood of more than 500,000 people living in this area. This is going to be a regular phenomenon every year. This is unacceptable and unsustainable short term development plan just to expand a business establishment. This is at huge costs and hazard to citizens and environment in the long term.
Noise Pollution:- The Aircrafts create a lot of noise eswhile landing and taking off. In this Class I residential area (As classified by Town Planning) during night when air crafts land and take off people will have disturbed sleep which will lead to a lot of complications. This will create a lot of health hazards both physical and psychological.
Even children here will be born with congenital deficiencies due to this. In Hong Kong before the new airport was built the airport was inside the city. Due to the above mentioned noise pollution and its consequences the air port was shut down during nights.
Air Pollution:-The jet fuel exhausts also pose a major contribution to air pollution to the already polluted city. This contributes to the global warming which is considered very seriously by the global community.
Points against Current Expansion:-No where in the world new Airports are built inside the city. In case of our Chennai airport the current expansion plan caters only to a short period of time after which it must be moved anyway to the bigger and better Green Field airport.
1. The expansion of the existing Airport is going to cost Phase I -1800 Crores, Land Acquisition Rs. 2000 Crores and an undisclosed amount in Phase II. All these expenses are being incurred for a short-term benefit of 5 years, after which further expansion is required which is impossible to do inside the city.
2. The Green Field Airport however, is a long term project where the investment required is lower compared to the cost of land acquisition inside the city. Much more land can be acquired outside the city at the same cost thus building a much larger expandable facility.
3. Investing crores of rupees of tax payer’s money for a stop gap arrangement at huge cost to the citizen and environment is a short-sighted and wasteful.
4. If the Green Field Airport is not implemented immediately the place of the proposed area will also be acquired by others and be no longer available to the AAI. Then the New Airport will have to be constructed in a very faraway place.
5. The expansion inside the city is causing a lot of ecological problems and threat to the lives of more than five lakhs people. It is causing the problem to ecology and environment and causing flood to the neighborhoods.
VIABLE ALTERNATIVES
Airport Authorities Predicts around 50 Aircraft movements per hour by the year 2015-16 in Chennai airport for which the current expansion is planned.
This traffic can be achieved by doing the following without expanding the airport.
Switch to RNP (Required Navigation performance) setup which is satellite based than the existing VOR, which is Radar based. Through this the performance of air traffic control can be enhanced (Gatwick Airport UK, is handling around 80 Aircrafts per hour with single runway). All the Aircrafts are already equipped with this RNP system. Only the ground system is to be installed. Economically this will be much lesser than the cost involved in land acquisition and construction for expansion.
Use secondary runway for slower ATR aircrafts and main runway for Jets. This can enhance the traffic as ATRs will take more time to land and take off, approx 1.5 times compared to Jet flights.
Build a wider parallel taxiway and high speed exits in the existing primary runway. This will help Aircrafts clear off the runway much quicker allowing the next flight to land faster.
The above points have been suggested by a renowned columnist and Airfield Expert Capt. Mohan Ranganathan.
Appeal When the actual requirement of land is only around 300 acres according to new proposal by Civil Aviation press release dated 13-Nov-07, the Tamil Nadu State Government acquiring 1069 acres is not justified.
The Tamil Nadu State Government decision to acquire land in these areas instead of originally proposed area, because of the protest by people of POZHICHALUR supported by their alliance party PMK, is UNILATERAL.
The current expansion poses a heavy threat of flood in surrounding areas of Pozhichalur, Porur, Madhananthapuram, Manapakkam, Kolapakkam, Gerugampakkam, Tharapakkam and Kovur.
Since the expansion is only for an interim need until 2015-16, investment can be made only for purposes that are actually required to manage traffic until 2015-16 thus minimizing the financial and social costs as much as possible.
If the Green Field Airport is delayed then the land for Green Field airport will be available only in the places like Vellore which are very far off from the city due to further development in the currently proposed area. This is not going to help in the economical growth of the city.
The State Government should consider avoiding distress to the people in this region. The people should not be impacted for the sake of an interim solution that is not really required.
Hence, the Tamil Nadu State Government should revise the GO dated 09.10.07 for acquiring 1069 acres to what ever is actually required.
We hope and pray that you will understand our terrible situation and save us from land acquisition.
We the citizens: grandparents, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and grand children, in tears, solemnly request all assistance possible to save our township and let us live here for ever in peace.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Residents against airport expansion
CHENNAI: Expansion of the existing airport at Meenambakkam here will lead to environmental problems such as flooding and noise pollution, said a section of residents from Manappakkam, Kolappakkan, Gerugambakkam and Tharappakkam.
Talking to reporters on Monday, the residents who had formed an association, United People’s Forum for Survival, said the proposed runway would obstruct the draining of water from the residential areas into the Adyar River, resulting in the flooding of the neighbourhood.
The expanded airport would be very close to the densely populated localities of Mugalivakkam, Moulivakkam and Porur. They appealed to the Chief Minister to reconsider the expansion proposal and said ‘Green Field’ airport would be an ideal alternative.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/25/stories/2007122554740500.htm
Talking to reporters on Monday, the residents who had formed an association, United People’s Forum for Survival, said the proposed runway would obstruct the draining of water from the residential areas into the Adyar River, resulting in the flooding of the neighbourhood.
The expanded airport would be very close to the densely populated localities of Mugalivakkam, Moulivakkam and Porur. They appealed to the Chief Minister to reconsider the expansion proposal and said ‘Green Field’ airport would be an ideal alternative.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/25/stories/2007122554740500.htm
Latest developments and policy initiatives in Civil Aviation in India
18. EXPANSION/MODERNISATION OF CHENNAI AIRPORT:
Committee on Infrastructure, in its 14th meeting held on 18.04.2007 decided that the Chennai Airport would be developed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) from its own resources. An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) under the Chairmanship of Secretary was constituted to finalise the Action Plan for development of Chennai
airport. AAI has prepared a detailed Action Plan for development of airport at a cost of Rs. 2062 crores.
The salient feature of Action Plan as under:
* The project envisages expansion of domestic terminal building by 72700 sq.m. to cater additional 10 million passengers p.a. The international terminal building is to be expanded by another 64300 sq.m. to cater to additional 4 million passengers p.a. Total passenger handling capacity will, therefore, become 23 million passengers p.a. (16 mppa domestic + 7 mppa international).
* Expansion of secondary runway so that airport is able to handle 50 aircraft movements per hour. This capacity is expected to be sufficient to cater to air side requirements up to 2015-16.
* The cost of development of terminal building and city side activities, including a multi level car park, is estimated to be Rs.1527 crores out of which Rs.638 crores would be on new domestic terminal building, Rs.532 crores on extension of international terminal, Rs.141 crores on facelift/modification of existing terminals and Rs.206.77 crores on multi level car park including commercial development. The apron work consisting of expansion of secondary runway, construction of taxiway and additional bays would cost Rs.535 crores. The project is estimated to be financially viable with an IRR (pre tax) of 12.3% and ERR (pre tax) of 12.6%, on completion of project basis.
* Remodeling of the existing domestic and international terminal buildings to accommodate further 13 million domestic passengers and 3 million international passengers, in the second phase.
* Completion of terminal and city side work by June 2010 and air side by February 2010.
Link:http://www.inrnews.com/realestateproperty/india/infrastructure/latest_developments_and_policy.html
Committee on Infrastructure, in its 14th meeting held on 18.04.2007 decided that the Chennai Airport would be developed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) from its own resources. An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) under the Chairmanship of Secretary was constituted to finalise the Action Plan for development of Chennai
airport. AAI has prepared a detailed Action Plan for development of airport at a cost of Rs. 2062 crores.
The salient feature of Action Plan as under:
* The project envisages expansion of domestic terminal building by 72700 sq.m. to cater additional 10 million passengers p.a. The international terminal building is to be expanded by another 64300 sq.m. to cater to additional 4 million passengers p.a. Total passenger handling capacity will, therefore, become 23 million passengers p.a. (16 mppa domestic + 7 mppa international).
* Expansion of secondary runway so that airport is able to handle 50 aircraft movements per hour. This capacity is expected to be sufficient to cater to air side requirements up to 2015-16.
* The cost of development of terminal building and city side activities, including a multi level car park, is estimated to be Rs.1527 crores out of which Rs.638 crores would be on new domestic terminal building, Rs.532 crores on extension of international terminal, Rs.141 crores on facelift/modification of existing terminals and Rs.206.77 crores on multi level car park including commercial development. The apron work consisting of expansion of secondary runway, construction of taxiway and additional bays would cost Rs.535 crores. The project is estimated to be financially viable with an IRR (pre tax) of 12.3% and ERR (pre tax) of 12.6%, on completion of project basis.
* Remodeling of the existing domestic and international terminal buildings to accommodate further 13 million domestic passengers and 3 million international passengers, in the second phase.
* Completion of terminal and city side work by June 2010 and air side by February 2010.
Link:http://www.inrnews.com/realestateproperty/india/infrastructure/latest_developments_and_policy.html
HC stays land acquisition for airport expansion
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has restrained the authorities from acquiring land in Manapakkam village in Kanchipuram district for the proposed airport expansion project.Justice P Jyothimani on Wednesday granted the injunction for two weeks, while passing interim orders on writ petitions from K Parthiban of Mangadu and 14 others challenging the project.
The State Government had decided to acquire 1,569 acres in in Kanchipuram for the project. The petitioners contended that the State had no power to acquire land for the project.
Section 19 of the Airport Authority of India Act, 1994, provided that power for acquisition of land for any purpose relating to the airport was only with the Centre.Believing the statement of the CMDA that the land would not be acquired for the project, petitioners had purchased them and put up constructions.Many buildings were ready for occupation.
The statement of the CMDA issued had the binding force and over-riding effect in respect of the Master Plan. They had purchased the land only ascertaining that there was no encumbrance. Acquisition of their property would totally ruin them, petitioners contended.
They sought to restrain the Transport Department, Kanchipuram Collector and Sriperumbudur Tahsildar from proceeding with the acquisition.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE920071205225812
The State Government had decided to acquire 1,569 acres in in Kanchipuram for the project. The petitioners contended that the State had no power to acquire land for the project.
Section 19 of the Airport Authority of India Act, 1994, provided that power for acquisition of land for any purpose relating to the airport was only with the Centre.Believing the statement of the CMDA that the land would not be acquired for the project, petitioners had purchased them and put up constructions.Many buildings were ready for occupation.
The statement of the CMDA issued had the binding force and over-riding effect in respect of the Master Plan. They had purchased the land only ascertaining that there was no encumbrance. Acquisition of their property would totally ruin them, petitioners contended.
They sought to restrain the Transport Department, Kanchipuram Collector and Sriperumbudur Tahsildar from proceeding with the acquisition.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE920071205225812
Extension of Secondary Runway
Extension of Secondary Runway 12 beginning excluding bridge portion, taxi Track and additional parking bays at Chennai Airport, Chennai. SH: Soil Investigation”
AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA
CHENNAI AIRPORT PROJECT: CHENNAI -27
CIVIL DIVISION – IV
TENDER NOTICE
1. Sealed tenders are invited by the Sr. Manager (Engg-C)-IV, AAI, Chennai Airport Project Chennai 600 027 on behalf of Chairman, AAI from AAI empanelled agencies having completed similar nature of work for the work of “Extension of Secondary Runway 12 beginning excluding bridge portion, taxi Track and additional parking bays at Chennai Airport, Chennai. SH: Soil Investigation” with an estimated cost of Rs.12.00 lakhs (approx.). Time allowed for completion of work is 02 (two) months. Tenders will be issued upto 28.12.2007, received till 07.01.2008 upto 1500 hrs and opened on the same day at 1530 hrs. The scope of work covers Plate load test, Bore hole, details for classification of Soil, SBC, CBR test etc.,
2. Tender forms will be issued to the those consultant who produces certificate from clients of having satisfactorily completed (Phase / part completion of scope of work in a contract shall not be considered) similar work of at least three works, each costing Rs. 4.80 lakhs or two works, each costing Rs. 6.00 lakhs or one work costing Rs. 9.60 lakhs of similar nature of work during the last seven years ending on 30.11.2007 (Firms producing experience certificate from Non Government / Non PSU organizations should submit “Tax Deduction at Source Certificate” in support of their claim for having experience of stipulated value of works) and produce proof of annualized average financial turnover of Rs. 3.60 lakhs during the last three years ending 31st March of previous financial year. The firm should possess necessary infrastructure and expertise for undertaking the consultancy service.
3. Application for issue of tender document shall be submitted in the Office of the undersigned upto 24.12.2007 on all working days along with tender fee of Rs. 563/- (Non refundable) in the form of Demand Draft drawn in favour of AAI, Chennai Airport Project payable at Chennai. The application shall be supported with self attested copies of valid registration, Permanent Account Number (PAN) and client certificate for experience indicating date of completion as per agreement and actual date of completion of work. The financial turnover should be supported with annual report (abridged balance sheet and Profit & loss account).
4. AAI reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without assigning any reason.
5. AAI reserves the right to disallow issue of tender document to working agencies whose performance at on going project(s) is below par and unusually poor.
6. The tender documents shall not be sent by Post / Fax.
7. Original documents shall be submitted along with the application for verification.
8. The format enclosed as Annexure –I to this NIT, should be filled up and submitted alongwith the application for issue of tender documents.
9. Earnest money amounting to Rs. 24,000/- in the form of Demand Draft from any nationalized / Scheduled banks drawn in favour of AAI, Chennai Airport Project payable at Chennai shall be submitted alongwith the tender.
10. No single firm shall be permitted to submit two separate application, as individual as well as in joint venture / consortium or under two joint venture firms / consortium.
Sr. Manager (Engg-C)-IV
AAI, ChennaiAirport Project,
Chennai – 600 027
Phone : 044- 2256 4521 / 0652
Link:http://www.airportsindia.org.in/tenders/s_chn_pro_soil_dec24.jsp
Cross runway operations on trial
CHENNAI: The cross runway operations on a trial basis were inaugurated at the Chennai airport on Sunday.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials said the Chennai Air Traffic Control Tower now handled on an average 329 movements per day, over 800 aircraft transit through Chennai Area Control Centre.
The volume of traffic needed some enhancement of runway capacity as well airspace capacity. This resulted in two new initiatives – cross runway operations and bifurcation of area control centre, said an officer.
At present, the operations were carried out using the main runway for both arrivals and departures, which had reached the maximum handling capacity of 25 movements an hour. Hence, a new procedure had been designed to permit the use of secondary runway for departures and the main runway for both departures and arrivals to enable the airport to handle nearly 32 movements an hour. This would result in a significant 25 per cent increase in traffic handling capacity, the officer said.
Cross runway operations would help in increasing handling capacity of movements per hour and reduce holding time by three to five minutes for departures and arrivals, leading to lesser fuel consumption and aircraft emission. At present, the Area Control Centre in Chennai on an average handled 1,130 flights daily, which is expected to grow further. In order to reduce communication congestion, controller workload and enhancing the operational efficiency and safety, sectorisation had been planned.
Under this, the existing Area Control Centre would be divided laterally into East and West sectors.
Before implementing sectorisation, preliminary safety assessment trials were conducted, which indicated considerable benefits from bifurcation.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/18/stories/2007121853930400.htm
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials said the Chennai Air Traffic Control Tower now handled on an average 329 movements per day, over 800 aircraft transit through Chennai Area Control Centre.
The volume of traffic needed some enhancement of runway capacity as well airspace capacity. This resulted in two new initiatives – cross runway operations and bifurcation of area control centre, said an officer.
At present, the operations were carried out using the main runway for both arrivals and departures, which had reached the maximum handling capacity of 25 movements an hour. Hence, a new procedure had been designed to permit the use of secondary runway for departures and the main runway for both departures and arrivals to enable the airport to handle nearly 32 movements an hour. This would result in a significant 25 per cent increase in traffic handling capacity, the officer said.
Cross runway operations would help in increasing handling capacity of movements per hour and reduce holding time by three to five minutes for departures and arrivals, leading to lesser fuel consumption and aircraft emission. At present, the Area Control Centre in Chennai on an average handled 1,130 flights daily, which is expected to grow further. In order to reduce communication congestion, controller workload and enhancing the operational efficiency and safety, sectorisation had been planned.
Under this, the existing Area Control Centre would be divided laterally into East and West sectors.
Before implementing sectorisation, preliminary safety assessment trials were conducted, which indicated considerable benefits from bifurcation.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/18/stories/2007121853930400.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)