[sustran] World Bank rider for pedestrian project

[Vinay Baindur]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-infra/world-bank-rider-for-pedestrian-project/article6374240.ece





World Bank rider for pedestrian project
ALOYSIUS XAVIER LOPEZ

The World Bank has told the Chennai Corporation that its funding of the
pedestrian plaza at T. Nagar is conditional. It has advised the civic body
to complete a study on environment and the social impact of the proposed
pedestrianisation project in that area.

The study by the Chennai Corporation is also expected to assess the impact
of the project on ‘reducing extreme poverty’ and ‘promoting shared
prosperity’.

The Rs.83-crore pedestrian plaza, part of the T. Nagar redevelopment
proposal, had already been approved by the Corporation Council a few months
ago. “Funding for the project will not be approved without a proper study
of the social and environmental aspects of such an innovative urban
infrastructure project,” said officials.

Work on commissioning the plaza with a commercial theme was expected to
begin this month. But the requirement of a new study is likely to delay the
project, they said. The plaza is likely to become operational by May next.

The levels of pollution caused by traffic diversions, the increased number
of visitors to T. Nagar, the rise in garbage collection and heightened
commercial activity will also be assessed. *Displacement of hawkers and
impact on their livelihood will be part of the study.*