MTC needs to improve its fleet size from a mere 3454 buses that are operated currently to at least a 6000 strong fleet, if we are to see meaningful increases in bus ridership, says Sumana Narayanan, CAG. All other sops and schemes might be found ineffective in the absence of better bus frequency.
In this systematic break-down of Greater Chennai Corporation's ambitious waste management plans and budget, Vamsi Kapilavai, CAG questions if systems have been set in place to make the 1200 metric tonnes of compost production envisioned by GCC, a reality? With conflicting datasets and poor source segregation, GCC might have to undertake more groundwork, if these targets are to be met.
Vamsi Shankar, CAG, says that the recent fire in the Perungudi landfill makes a strong case for companies to invest in refill and re-use packaging technologies. The mixed waste (including tonnes of plastic packaging) that reaches our landfills could be responsible for the highly flammable gases that result in landfill fires.
As it comes to light that Chennai corporation owes TANGEDCO Rs. 175 crores in unpaid electricity bills, Vishnu Rao, CAG recommends that the Chennai Corporation move to sustainable energy options such as solar lights.
How do we prevent tragic accidents such as the recent temple car procession in Thanjavur that killed 11 persons? Vishnu Rao, CAG comments.
As frequent power outages in Tamil Nadu leave residents irritated, the long term solution to this would be to reduce our dependence on coal and increase our energy independence and security. As Vishnu Mohan Rao, CAG says, solar panels are the best way forward.
Soaring temperatures means soaring electricity bills. Rooftop solar panels, which are a great way to beat the bill, still remain poorly embraced by the general public. CAG has been carrying out awareness exercises to popularise solar panels among Chennai's residents. But as Vishnu Rao, Senior Researcher, CAG points out, much more work is needed to 'demystify' the logistics of solar panel installation.
Vishnu Mohan Rao, Senior Researcher, CAG reflecting on the financial burden on farmers attempting to install solar pumps, points out that solar pumps should be financed as a farming input and not as an asset.
S.Saroja, executive director of CAG talks about what motivates her and powers the CAG team - the goal of enabling people to make clear informed choices that are good for them and the environment.
Chennai's repeated floods indicate that stop-gap arrangements like placing pumps and drains on different streets are inadequate. 'We need different departments to coordinate and work as a team', says S.Saroja, CAG, for long-term solutions.