DOG DAYS: SIGNALS GET GREEN COVER
Green roofs have been set up at bus stops, major junctions and traffic-heavy signal across the city
During upcoming monsoon season, the canopies will be slightly modified with fibre materials on the top to provide cover, said GCC commissioner J Radhakrishnan
CHENNAI: To provide respite for motorists from the heat, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has set up green canopies at traffic signals in various locations across the city.
Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J Radhakrishnan inspected the shelters on Thursday at Raja Muthiah Road near Ripon Building.
In the first phase of the initiative, the City Traffic Police has set up shade shelters in the ten locations at traffic signals identified. J Radhakrishnan said that the shelters will help the motorists and reduce the impact of the direct heat on them.
Explaining the safety measures for the motorists, the commissioner said that these pavilions are constructed at a height with steel rods to ensure the safe passage of large vehicles, and the porous fabric is placed on the top to make sure it does not fall due to the wind. Drinking water is kept in earthen pots and water booths are also set up in these areas for the use of the public and motorists, he added.
Observing that there are 34,000 streets in total under the city corporation limit, the commissioner said that as part of the first phase, the shade shelters have been set up at bus stops, major junctions, and signal areas that experience heavy traffic. The GCC will take steps to set up these shade shelters in the other areas as well, he said.
Pertaining to the rainy season, the canopies will be slightly modified with fibre materials on the top as shade, he added.
The GCC will collaborate with the Highways Department to set up shelters at traffic signals and individuals who are willing to set up shade shelters will also be coordinated by the Corporation authorities, he said. After the heatwave prediction until 28th May, Greater Chennai Corporation has undertaken various initiatives to mitigate the impact of the heat. The drinking water booths have been set up at 199 places in the corporation limits. The water booths being set up by political parties are also being coordinated by the civic body and the provision of ORS packets has been set up in 299 places. So far, 1,44,527 persons have received ORS.