Rs 500 crore boost for mega city mission

CHENNAI: The State Government on Friday gave its nod to the Rs 500-crore Chennai Mega City Development Mission aimed at improving basic amenities and safe drinking water supply in the 42 local bodies that were annexed by the existing Chennai Corporation areas in October last.According to a Ripon Building release, the fund, which is restricted to projects of Corporation of Chennai and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, would be used to develop the extended areas comprising eight zones -- Thiruvotriyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Ambattur, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur.About 360 roads (175.36 km) identified in the expanded areas, are proposed by the Chennai Corporation for the integrated development at a total estimated cost of 333.27 crore.