Karunanidhi pitches for satellite towns
Special Correspondent

“They will help to ease traffic congestion and overcome health problems”

— Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

BENIGN GESTURE: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi (second from right) giving away safety materials to a construction worker at the builders’ day silver jubilee celebration of the Builders’ Association of India in Chennai on Sunday. (From left) Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, Information Minister; R. Radhakrishnan, former president of the association; and Durai Murugan, Public Works Department and Law Minister, are in the picture. CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Sunday made a strong case for the creation of satellite towns and expansion of cities to ease traffic congestion and overcome health problems.
Participating in the builders’ day silver jubilee celebration of the southern centre of the Builders’ Association of India, he urged all sections to extend their cooperation.
Noting that several hurdles arose when the efforts were made to streamline urban development in Chennai, Mr. Karunanidhi said the establishment of new cities had to be balanced with the concerns of those who were likely to be affected by such developments. Comparing Chennai with Puducherry, he said Puducherry, established during the French rule, was well-planned with well-laid roads. But, Chennai was expanded to suit the requirements of those who migrated to the city.
As for construction workers, Mr. Karunanidhi gave an account of the schemes being implemented by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government since May 2006. During the AIADMK Government (2001-2006), the number of people benefited by the welfare schemes for the construction workers was 66,320, and the assistance given was Rs. 22.9 crore. But in the 15 months of the DMK rule, 60,525 persons had benefited from the schemes and Rs. 18.9 crore was given as solatium.
Public Works Department and Law Minister Durai Murugan said the Government had taken steps for constructing buildings for the Assembly. Information and Urban Development Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi said the Second Master Plan for Chennai would come into force by the end of this year.
R. Radhakrishnan, trustee and former president of the BAI; L. Moorthi, committee chairman of the Association; and K.V. Rangaswamy, executive director (head), construction, L & T, participated in the function.