Will ensure project implementation is independent of political interference, says M Mahesh Kumar

From the time he took office on March 2 as Chennai’s deputy mayor, M Mahesh Kumar has been constantly conducting inspections and meeting officials to ensure projects are implemented properly. In an interview with Komal Gautham, he spoke about how the city can expect a corruption-less tender process and clean governance. Excerpts:
Tell us about your family and business.
My wife, M Sujatha, is a commerce graduate and is a home maker. I have two daughters, both of whom are married. The elder, Ma Bhargavi, handles my hotel business on Pallavaram radial road and my real estate business. The younger, Ma Thendra, has completed BSc Psychology and is working in a private concern. My father-in-law, C P Pavalavannan, was deputy mayor of Chennai in 1967. I’m proud that I have got the same chance and promise to prove my worth.
What can people expect from your term?
People can expect that the mayor and I will always be accessible. We will follow the chief minister’s guidance and ensure that project implementation is independent of any political interference
What are your plans for the city?
The chief minister asked us to focus on providing basic amenities and solving problems such as sewage overflow, drinking water issues and mosquito menace. I will also focus on solid waste management. We have decided to purchase new bins and improve door-to-door collection and segregation of solid waste.
There has been a lot of criticism on the construction of storm water drains? How do you plan to set things right?
We have received the interim report from the flood mitigation committee headed by retired IAS official A Thirupugazh. I haven’t read it but it is being monitored by the chief minister himself. The Chennai corporation com-
missioner has sent the report to the IIT-M. Once they send their proposals and suggestions, we will ensure that tenders are called in a month’s time and projects are completed by October. Also, we have asked for zone-wise and ward-wise data on locations where sewage and garbage is being dumped into the drains. We will issue notices to the violators and give them time to rectify and then take action.
What about the Kosasthalaiayar integrated storm water drain project?
A lot of changes have been made in the design and project planning by the Thirupugazh committee. It is right now being vetted by experts in IIT-Madras. It will be implemented in a month’s time.
After Chennai expanded in 2011, one of the major concerns is lack of playfields. Any plan?
It is true. In my own ward, only a school ground is available. We will soon inaugurate a hockey ground in Kotturpuram and set up a cricket ground in Adyar near Gandhi Nagar. We plan to develop basketball, volleyball and hockey grounds on encroached land that has been retrieved by the civic body.
Tender scams have been a major issue? How will you address it?
The Chennai corporation is the only civic body that has sent the entire tender process online. We have also instructed all officials that the projects should only benefit the public and no one else.