GCC to hold talks with protesting conservancy workers 

The Chennai Corporation will hold talks with the protesting conservancy workers to resolve civic issues caused by waste accumulation in Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zones, said Ms.Priya. “Chennai Corporation has privatised conservancy operations in zones of Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar. GCC has asked the workers to resume work. The State government is determined to protect the interests of the conservancy workers,” said Ms.Priya.

When reporters raised the issue of reduction in wages of the workers from ₹22000 to ₹15000 per month because of privatisation, Ms.Priya said: “The private conservancy operator will provide PF, ESI and financial assistance for kids’ education. After the workers resume duty, the state government will take a decision to protect their interests. They will have job security.” However, the Mayor did not answer the query of reporters who asked if the GCC will accept the demand of permanent government jobs for conservancy workers based on the promise made by DMK ahead of 2021 Assembly elections.

Dredging of canals

Chennai Corporation will start work on dredging of major canals such as the Virugambakkam Canal and Otteri Nullah as part of northeast monsoon preparedness, said Mayor R.Priya.

Addressing media persons on Tuesday, Ms.Priya said the work onder for dredging of Virugambakkam Canal will be issued on Wednesday. “The Chennai Corporation took over the Virugambakkam Canal, Otteri Nullah and Ceerangal Odai last year to improve monsoon preparedness. In Virugambakkam canal five machines will start dredging work shortly. In Otteri Nullah, dredging will also begin in a few days. As part of monsoon preparedness work in Velachery, work on Verangal Odai is under way,” she said.

GCC will build a wall in Virugambakkam canal to prevent dumping of solid waste, said Ms.Priya.