Tamil version of climate action plan from today: GCC

CHENNAI: As the last date for submitting opinion on the draft climate action plan ended on Monday, the Greater Chennai Corporation has extended the time limit by one month so that public can share their opinions. Moreover, the civic body will release the climate action plan in Tamil so that more citizens could understand and share opinion.

"C40 Cities organisation has prepared the draft action plan with some recommendations. The plan has been released on Chennai Corporation website. Citizens were asked to send their suggestions on the report to chennaiclimateactionplan@gmail.com before Monday (September 26),” a Chennai Corporation press release said.

The release added that Tamil translation of the draft plan will be updated on Chennai Corporation website and the citizens can send suggestions before October 26.

The draft action plan warned that around 67 sqkm, which is 16 per of the city's total area will be permanently inundated affecting around 10 lakh population in 2100s due to rising sea level.

The plan also pointed out as many as 215 slums, which is 17 per cent of the total slums in the city, are expected to get affected. High density slums located around creeks and rivers are at higher risk and 7,500 Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (slum board) built for resettlement of slums are also at risk.

The report warned that 100 metres of the coast are at a risk of submersion as a result of 7 cm of sea level rise in the next five years.

A Chennai Corporation official said that changes will be made in the report based on suggestions from the public and meetings will conducted with elected representatives and environmental organisations before finalising the action plan.