NEWS TODAY 31.12.2024

 

IIT-Kgp director focuses on ‘failures’ in his last convocation address ‘Couldn’t Start Hosp, Malaysia Campus’

IIT-Kgp director focuses on ‘failures’ in his last convocation address ‘Couldn’t Start Hosp, Malaysia Campus’ 

Dipawali.Mitra@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Kolkata : Besides highlighting the achievements and rankings of IIT-Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) over the past few years, the institute’s director VK Tewari also emphasized on some ‘failures’ during his tenure while addressing its 70th convocation ceremony on Monday, when his term at the IIT also came to an end. Tewari spoke about the failure to set up the IIT Malaysia campus and start medical education at IIT-Kharagpur. “We wanted to start IIT Malaysia but due to some technical reasons we failed in that. So I take the responsibility. We also failed in getting medical education…The hospital was ready in 2018 itself but I think there were no ef forts. When I took over, Covid also took over and from that time, I was trying to set up the medical college but failed four times,” said Tewari, while he was referring to the medical college named as Dr BC Roy MultiSpecialist Research Centre

Referring obliquely to the recent controversy regarding the shifting of BC Roy Technology Hospital (BCRTH) to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Superspeciality Hospital (SPMSH), Tewari said they tried to start SPMSH and only the OPD services began. “We are in the process of starting the IPD (in-patient department) services at the superspeciality hospital,” said the outgoing director, adding, “We failed in answering questions of some of our friends because the requirements were something different.” Earlier, the campus had witnessed protests from students, campus residents, and teachers over the relocation of the BCRTH to SPMSH, which is four kilometres from the campus. Amidst pressure, the administration kept the relocation “in abeyance.” In Sept, the IIT Teachers’Association wrote to the union education minister alleging that the director had failed to start the hospital, medical college and the overseas campus projects. This letter sparked a rift between teachers and authorities. 

Highlighting the positive aspects, Tewari said in three-and-a-half years, the institute had achieved 400 patents. According to him, the institute is diligently working towards the G-20 declarations in 12 major areas. Tewari shared that during his tenure he ensured that the IIT campus became a safe and secure zone with monitoring at the entry and exit points. He also said that he was able to solve the water crisis, which was a perennial problem at the campus. Chancellor of the University of California, San Diego, Pradeep K Khosla, who is also an alumnus of IIT-KGP, was the chief guest. Former vice-chairman of UGC and national research professor, ministry of Ayush, Bhushan Patwardhan, was the guest of honour. 

A total of 3,456 degrees comprising 480 PhDs were conferred. Thirteen distinguished alumni awards, seven Life Fellow Awards, and one Lifetime Achievement Award were also given. IIT-Varanasi head as interim director Director of IIT-Varanasi, Amit Patra, has been given the additional charge of IIT-KGP as its interim director until further order or new appointment after the tenure of VK Tewari ended on Monday. “The handover is likely to take place on Tuesday,” sources said. Patra was also the deputy director of IIT-KGP. Interview for the next director already took place.

CM for timely completion of 3 new univs, seeks updates

CM for timely completion of 3 new univs, seeks updates

Yogi: Conduct Reviews In Every 15 Days 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 31.12.2024

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, at a high-level meeting on Monday, reviewed the progress of construction, staffing, and operations of three new universities—Maa Pateshwari University, Balrampur, Maa Vindhyavasini University, Mirzapur, and Guru Jambheshwar University, Moradabad. He sought updates from the vice-chancellors and emphasized timely completion of construction while ensuring quality standards. 

The CM directed them that construction work should proceed in phases, prioritizing academic and administrative buildings in the first phase, followed by the VC’s residence, faculty housing, and guest house in the second phase, and hostels in the third phase. He emphasized regular reviews of the construction progress by a committee comprising the university administration, implementing agency, and local authorities. The VCs were instructed to monitor the work daily or every two days, ensuring timely completion with uncompromised quality. The CM instructed the higher education department to conduct reviews every 15 days. In case of any obstacles, VCs were advised to coordinate with the district magistrate or principal secretary and consult the government for necessary adjustments in construction plans. He also directed the government to issue guidelines to implementing agencies and urged higher education ministers to periodically inspect the ongoing construction work. The CM also directed the department to expedite the appointment of regular employees in the under-construction universities to ensure smooth operations. 

He emphasized arranging temporary provisions for staff immediately. The VCs were directed to provide necessary residential and other facilities. The CM emphasized completing the formalities for affiliating colleges within the jurisdiction of the under-construction universities promptly. He also directed the creation of university's logo, motto and Kulgeet. Higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyaya, MoS Rajni Tiwari and VCs of many universities were present in the meeting

Homeopathy grads can pursue PG spl courses next year

Homeopathy grads can pursue PG spl courses next year 

31.12.2024

Jaipur : Beginning in the academic year 2025-26, homeopathy will start postgraduate specialisation courses across six distinct branches, marking a significant development in the field. “The specialisation branches will include clinical oncology, clinical rheumatology, pulmonology, paediatric psychiatry, neurology, and endocrinology,” Dr Tarkeshwar Jain, president of the Homeopathy Education Board, National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH), govt of India, told TOI. 

Dr Jain said, “As of now, there are no courses available for specialisation in homeopathy. It is for the first time it is happening in the country as an advancement in homeopathy studies.” The announcement was shared during the 23rd All India Homeopathy Scientific Seminar ‘Hope Health Homeopathic 2024,’ which concluded on Sunday. After completing these postgraduate programs, home- opathy practitioners will gain expertise in treating specific conditions. This development will enable patients to consult specialists based on their health needs, such as seeking treatment from a homeopathic neurologist for brain-related conditions. 

Dr Anita Meena, former consultant (Homeopathy) with the state govt, said, “Offering courses for specialisation in homeopathy adds a new chapter. The homeopathy doctors will now have a chance to upgrade their knowledge by completing postgraduate courses.” Since every year new cases of cancer are adding up, the NCH decided to train specialists in clinical oncology. Besides, a lot of patients needing treatment related to ailments such as rheumatology, pulmonology, paediatric psychiatry, neurology, and endocrinology will benefit from the specialisation. TNN

Tirumala darshan: AP to honour T MLA, MP letters

Tirumala darshan: AP to honour T MLA, MP letters 

T’gana Leaders Thank Naidu For The Decision 

Roushan.Ali@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Hyderabad : In a significant decision, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu-led govt has decided to accept four recommendation letters, two days a week, from Telangana MLAs, MLCs, and MPs for darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. 

Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy and a large number of MLAs, including ministers from the state, urged the AP govt to accept the recommendation letters of elected representatives of Telangana for the Lord’s darshan. Many MLAs from the state also complained that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam was not honouring the letters issued by them for darshan to the people. 

In his letter to Revanth Reddy on Monday, Naidu stated: “We examined the issues raised by you in your letter dated Dec 16, 2024, about Srivari darshan in TTD. We took a decision on the proposal sent by you to accept the recommendation letters of Telangana’s elected representatives for darshan of Lord Venkateshwara.” “Keeping in view the cordial relations between the two Telugu states, letters from MLA, MLC, MP will be honoured any two days of a week, between Monday and Thursday for VIP break darshan of ₹500 ticket. Only two letters will be honoured. Likewise, two letters will be honoured for the special entry darshan (SED) of ₹300 ticket. For every letter, up to six devotees will be allowed for darshan,” Naidu added. 

The decision to honour the recommendation letters for darshan was taken by also considering the convenience of lakhs of devotees coming from various other states, the daily rush, and the possibility of allowing darshan without difficulty. Res ponding to the letter on X, the Telangana CMO said: “CM Revanth thanked AP CM Naidu for taking a decision to honour recommendation letters of Telangana MLAs, MLCs, and MPs for darshan of Kaliyuga God Lord  Venkateshwara Swamy in TTD.

People of Telangana have an inseparable spiritual bond with Tirumala Venkateswara from centuries. Thousands of devotees from Telangana visit TTD, and that number increases every year.” Telangana council chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and assembly speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar thanked Chandrababu Naidu and TTD chairman B R Naidu for taking a decision to honour recommendation letters from Telangana's elected representatives.

Naidu tops ‘CM richlist’ with ₹931cr, Didi poorest with ₹15L

Naidu tops ‘CM richlist’ with ₹931cr, Didi poorest with ₹15L 

31.12.2024

New Delhi : Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest chief minister in India, with assets worth more than Rs 931 crore, while West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee is the poorest, with just Rs 15 lakh, according to an Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report released on Monday. 

The report said the average assets per chief minister from assemblies and Union territories is Rs 52.6 crore. While India’s per capita net national income or NNI was approximately Rs 1,85,854 for 2023- 2024, the average self-income of a chief minister is Rs 13,64,310, around 7.3 times the average per capita income of India.

The total assets of 31 chief ministers are worth Rs 1,630 crore. Arunachal Pradesh’s Pema Khandu is the secondrichest chief minister, with total assets worth over Rs 332 crore. Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah is third on the list, with assets worth more than Rs 51 crore. Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, with assets worth Rs 55 lakh, ranked just above Banerjee, while Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan is third, with Rs 1.18 crore. Khandu also has the highest liabilities to the tune of Rs 180 crore. Siddaramaiah has liabilities worth Rs 23 crore and Naidu more than Rs 10 crore, the report said. 

It also said 13 (42%) chief ministers have declared criminal cases against themselves, while 10 (32%) have declared serious criminal cases including those related to attempt to murder, kidnapping, bribery, and criminal intimidation. Of the 31 CMs, only two are women — West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee and Delhi’s Atishi. PTI Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu. The average assets per CM is Rs 52.6 crore, the report said

With ₹930 cr assets, Naidu is wealthiest CM of India

Umamaheswara.Rao@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Visakhapatnam : AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the wealthiest CM in India with a net worth of Rs 931 crore, followed by Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu (Rs 332.57 crore) and Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah (Rs 51.94 crore), according to an analysis by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR). AP is no stranger to having affluent CMs as former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was previously recognised as the richest with assets valued at Rs 510 crore during his tenure between 2019 and 2024. Before Jagan, Naidu had declared assets of Rs 177 crore to emerge as the richest CM between 2014 and 2019. Chief ministers with the least declared assets include Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal, with assets of Rs 15.38 lakh. She is preceded by Omar Abdullah of Jammu & Kashmir, who has declared assets of Rs 55.24 lakh. Above him is Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, with total assets worth of Rs 1.19 crore. On the liabilities front, Arunachal CM Khandu leads the list with Rs 180.28 crore, followed by Siddaramaiah (Rs 23.77 crore) and Naidu (Rs 10.32 crore). The analysis is based on affidavits submitted to the Election Commission of India along with the nomination papers.

Naidu third oldest CM in the country At 74, Naidu is the third oldest CM in the country. Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah is 75 and Kerala’s Vijayan 77. Of the 31 CMs analysed across state assemblies and UTs, 13 (42%) have declared criminal cases against them. TDP chief Naidu, who represents Kuppam assembly constituency in Chittoor 12/31/24, 11:51 AM Times of India ePaper hyderabad - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-hyderabad.cms 1/2 district, faces 19 cases, which include 32 serious charges under IPC and 80 other charges. The allegations span offences such as corruption, criminal conspiracy, public safety violations, and breaches under the SC/ST (prevention of atrocities) Act. Naidu 

Petitioner’s expectation alone cannot be an evidence of medical negligence, says HC

Petitioner’s expectation alone cannot be an evidence of medical negligence, says HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  31.12.2024

New Delhi : Delhi High Court recently ruled that medical negligence couldn’t be proven solely through dissatisfaction or claims about “expected standard of care”. Evidence must show that a doctor’s performance was below the level of a competent practitioner in comparable situations, a single bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula pointed out. The court was hearing a petition against doctors at Max Super Specialty Hospital Delhi by a man who claimed that their negligence had led to the death of his wife, diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus/haematemesis, in Oct 2016. 

The petitioner contended that administering 850mcg of fentanyl in a brief period was dangerous and resulted in the patient’s death through poisoning. Delhi Medical Council (DMC) had found the two doctors responsible for professional negligence of duty. It issued a warning and directed them to undergo at least one month of training in emergency medicine at a recognised hospital. However, National Medical Commission (NMC), during its peer review, considered the doctors’ records, which contained comprehensive details about drug dosage calculations based on the patient’s health status and weight requirements, and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove negligence. 

The petitioner challenged the NMC order. Considering the same details, the court determined that no grounds existed to suggest that either the DMC or NMC order was arbitrary or perverse. It noted that NMC found no substantial evidence of medical negligence after reviewing all medical documentation and treatment procedures and dismis sed the plea. The court emphasised that the medical bodies’ findings could not be dismissed unless proven perverse or unlawful. It added that while doctors must maintain reasonable diligence, their actions should not be assessed against predetermined expectations of procedures or outcomes. “While the court empathises with the petitioner’s loss and appreciates the earnestness of his pursuit, it must emphasise that the findings of medical bodies, composed of experts in the field, carry considerable weight. Their determinations, supported by peer review, merit deference unless tainted by palpable perversity or illegality. The court finds no such grounds for interference,” the court concluded, adding that both bodies pointed toward the line of treatment provided considering the patient’s complex medical profile, rather than by professional misconduct

Row over BNU exam on holiday to mourn ex-PM

 Row over BNU exam on holiday to mourn ex-PM

 TIMES NEWS NETWORK 31.12.2024

 Bengaluru : The move of Bengaluru North University (BNU) to hold an exam Friday — which was a public holiday, declared following former PM Manmohan Singh’s death the previous night — has snowballed into a controversy after some student organisations raised the issue. While Bangalore University and others put off their exams slated for the day, BNU went ahead with its schedule for BBA aviation. “When an unexpected holiday is announced, it is common that exams are conducted as per schedule while classes are called off. We decided to go ahead with the exam. The exam was only for 48 students. If not held, it would have been delayed,” said BNU vice-chancellor V Niranjana.

 “Moreover, we had already sent the question paper online. If the exam was not held as per schedule, there would be a risk of a question paper leak. In order to avoid these risks, it was important to go ahead with the exam as per the schedule.” The higher education department said the complaint has come to its notice and it will seek a report from the VC

₹931cr assets make Naidu richest CM, Didi poorest

₹931cr assets make Naidu richest CM, Didi poorest 

31.12.2024

New Delhi : Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest chief minister in India, with assets worth more than Rs 931 crore, while West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee is the poorest, with just Rs 15 lakh, according to an Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report released on Monday. The report said the average assets per chief minister from assemblies and Union territories is Rs 52.6 crore. While India’s per capita net national income or NNI was approximately Rs 1,85,854 for 2023- 2024, the average self-income of a chief minister is Rs 13,64,310, around 7.3 times the average per capita income of India. 

The total assets of 31 chief ministers are worth Rs 1,630 crore. Arunachal Pradesh’s Pema Khandu is the secondrichest chief minister, with total assets worth over Rs 332 crore. Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah is third on the list, with assets worth more than Rs 51 crore. Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, with assets worth Rs 55 lakh, ranked just above Banerjee, while Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan is third, with Rs 1.18 crore. Khandu also has the highest liabilities to the tune of Rs 180 crore. Siddaramaiah has liabilities worth Rs 23 crore and Naidu more than Rs 10 crore, the report said. It also said 13 (42%) chief ministers have declared criminal cases against themselves, while 10 (32%) have declared serious criminal cases including those related to attempt to murder, kidnapping, bribery, and criminal intimidation. Of the 31 CMs, only two are women — West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee and Delhi’s Atishi. PTI 

N Chandrababu Naidu has assets worth over Rs 931 crore and liabilities more than Rs 10 crore  Times of India ePaper ahmedabad - Read Tod

Behaviour that causes mental pain to spouse ground for divorce: SC

Behaviour that causes mental pain to spouse ground for divorce: SC

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI  31.12.2024

The Supreme Court has in a judgment held that patterns of behaviour which cause immense emotional distress to a spouse amount to mental cruelty and is a ground for divorce. A Bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath said cruelty was not limited to inflicting physical pain to a spouse.

“Cruelty also encompasses actions that inflict mental pain and suffering that creates a reasonable apprehension of harm or injury to an aggrieved spouse from the conduct of the other spouse so as to make it impossible for them to stay together,” Justice Nath explained.

The court was hearing the prolonged legal battle between a couple, both engineers with a child, who have lived separately for years. The man has sought divorce on the ground that his estranged wife’s conduct, including leaving the matrimonial home and filing criminal complaints against him, amounted to mental cruelty. He said her behaviour had not only strained their relationship but also caused significant damage to his reputation and peace of mind. The Madras High Court had given the man divorce. She challenged the decree in the Supreme Court.

Upholding the High Court decision, the Bench agreed that “sustained emotional torment and loss of trust in the marital relationship constitutes cruelty”. The court said cruelty included actions of a spouse which were not just isolated incidents but formed a pattern of behaviour that made cohabitation impossible. Sustained and deliberate acts of cruelty make it unreasonable to expect a spouse to continue living with the other, Justice Nath noted.

“Marriage is a relationship built on mutual trust, companionship, and shared experiences. When these essential elements are missing for an extended period, the marital bond becomes a mere legal formality devoid of any substance...,” he said.

The court directed the man to pay his wife a permanent alimony of ₹50 lakh. Justice Nath dismissed the argument that the wife earned well, noting that financial independence cannot be a reason to deny her maintenance post-divorce if it was necessary to secure her dignity, social standing, and financial stability.

Banks to provide beneficiary account name look-up facility

Banks to provide beneficiary account name look-up facility

31.12.2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to develop a facility to allow customers using online fund transfer systems, Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), to verify the name of the bank account to which money is being transferred before initiating the transaction to avoid mistakes and prevent frauds. All banks that are direct members or sub-members of RTGS System and NEFT System are advised to offer this facility by April 1, 2025, the RBI said in a circular on Monday. It also said the facility has to be made available to customers without any charge.pti

Tamil University Registrar’s cabin opened with police security

Tamil University Registrar’s cabin opened with police security

The lock on the door of the Registrar office of Tamil University being broken open by officials in police presence on Monday.

The Hindu Bureau

THANJAVUR  31.12.2024

The cabin of the Registrar, Tamil University, was opened in the presence of police on Monday morning to facilitate the assumption of office by T. Vetriselvan as Registrar (in-charge). He was appointed by Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) K. Sankar.

Inquiries reveal that the sitting Registrar (in-charge), C. Thiyagarajan, was relieved from the post by Mr. Sankar on December 27 on the pretext that Mr. Thiyagarajan came under the purview of the inquiry commission appointed by Chancellor and Governor R.N. Ravi to look into the ‘appointments’ in the institution and other allegations levelled against former VC Thiruvalluvan.

The inquiry commission headed by retired Madras High Court Judge M. Jayachandran is set to commence its inquiry on the campus on January 8, 2025.

Protesting the appointment of Mr. Vetriselvan, the ousted Registrar (in-charge) and his supporters in the university tried to prevent the police from breaking the lock of the cabin claiming that they had received ‘oral orders’ from the higher officials at the State Secretariate instructing Mr. Thiyagarajan to continue as the Registrar (in-charge).

However, the lock was removed by the university staff in the presence of the police citing the written order issued by Mr. Sankar in the capacity of the VC of the institution. Later in the day, the VC (in-charge) ordered the suspension of Mr. Thyagarajan pending an inquiry. In a statement, Mr. Sankar said Mr. Thyagarajan acted against the provisions of the Tamil University Act, 1982.

AI, the doctor’s new assistant

AI, the doctor’s new assistant 

Predicting heart attacks and diagnosing diabetes to performing precision surgeries, bots are changing the face of healthcare

Pushpa.Narayan@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Maheshwaran Rajendran doesn’t have the support system many elderly have – adult children – and couldn’t attend post-knee surgery rehab sessions at the hospital daily. So, doctors gave the 72-year-old an AI-powered app to help him exercise right in his bedroom. AI hasn’t replaced doctors, nurses, or paramedical staff, but it’s being increasingly adopted to improve treatment outcomes. 

In some corporate hospitals, it’s a scribe for doctors and keeps a preliminary diagnosis and therapy options ready for approval. “The rehabilitation app is a perfect example,” says Dr G Balamurali of Kauvery Hospital. Many of the senior spine surgeon’s elderly patients skip rehab because they need help to travel to the hospital. “We now ask them to use an AI-powered app. They do the exercises we teach them in front of the phone camera and the app tells them if they are doing it correctly. Our rehab centre also keeps track of patients’ improvement.” People like Rajendran say hospital visits for rehab have reduced to once in two weeks compared to almost daily visits earlier. 

“We have come a long way from telemedicine, when we could just see patients and offer consultations,” says Dr Balamurali. Over the past few years, hospitals such as Sankara Nethralaya have been using AI-powered equipment to screen eyes from remote and difficult-to-reach areas. High-risk patients are identified using AI tools and referred to ophthalmologists for treatment. “More accurate diagnosis, personalised care, and precision surgeries – AI and healthcare are proving they are made for each other, not just in lab experiments but also in hospital wards,” says Prof Krishnakumar R, department of medical sciences and technology, IIT Madras.

Over the past few weeks, the cath lab at Voluntary Health Services has been using AI algorithms to sharpen diagnosis. It has a full-time cardiologist to handle emergencies and staff trained by Dr  Ajit Mullasari, director of cardiology for Madras Medical Mission, and his team. AI algorithms can quickly and accurately identify blockages and other abnormalities in angiograms, reducing the potential for human error and leading to more reliable diagnoses, says VHS secretary Dr S Suresh. Dr Mullasari says such tools can analyse vast amounts of data from electrocardiograms (ECGs) and other diagnostic tests to quickly identify heart attack patients. 

“AI algorithms can also predict the risk of heart attacks by analysing subtle changes in medical images and patient data. This helps in early intervention and personalised treatment plans, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs,” he says. While Dr Mullasari and his team are working with IIT-M on developing more AI tools for cardiology, scientists at IIT-M have been working on models that can diagnose diabetes before blood tests can show high sugar levels. “With AI, we have the chance to finally reverse the trend lines on chronic diseases,” says senior diabetologist Dr V Mohan. He admits it will take time to overcome hurdles such as patient privacy and convince policymakers to create a regulatory environment, “but it can certainly revolutionise treatment”. Labs in the city are already showing promise. Prof Krishnakumar of IIT-M, who with his team is researching the subject, says they can create a digital twin of a patient with all medical records in 45 minutes at their lab. “One hour after creating the synthetic patient on the computer, we can test at least five different types of treatment options based on these models. And nearly eight out of ten times, the outcomes we predict have worked.” Senior cardiac surgeons including Dr K R Balakrishnan have been working with the team to improve treatment outcomes in cardiac surgeries.

While organisations such as WHO are asking public health officials to be ready for more frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases, public health officials are hoping they can turn to AI for help.

Traffic diversions during New Year celebrations in city

Traffic diversions during New Year celebrations in city 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 31.12.2024

Chennai : Anticipating massive crowds on the Marina Promenade, Elliots Beach, on Dec 31, Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) has chalked out preventive measures to ensure accidentfree New Year celebrations. New diversions and parking arrangements have been announced for Kamarajar Salai and Elliot’s Beach. The Foreshore Service Road will be closed for traffic from 7pm on Dec 31 to 6am on Jan 1. Parking of vehicles will also not be allowed on Foreshore Service Road from 7pm, and vehicles will be allowed to exit only through Lighthouse Junction. On Kamarajar Salai, the stretch from War Memorial to Lighthouse will be closed for vehicular traffic from 8pm on Dec 31 till 6am on Jan 1. 

Vehicles coming from Adyar intended for Kamarajar Salai will be diverted at Greenways Road and South Canal Road Junction towards Mandaveli, RA Puram 2nd Main Road, RK Mutt Road and Luz Corner to reach their destinations. 

Vehicles coming from Dr RK Salai side intended for Kamarajar Salai will be diverted at VM Street Junction towards RK Mutt Road, Luz Junction, Mandaveli, South Canal Bank Road to reach Santhome High Road and Greenways Road. 

Vehicles coming from Parry’s to Kamarajar Salai will be diverted at RBI Subway (North) towards North Fort Wall Road, Muthusamy Road, Muthusamy Bridge, Wallajah Point, Anna Salai to reach their destinations. Vehicles will not be allowed towards Kamarajar Salai from Wallajah Point, Swamy Sivananda Salai (near Doordarshan Kendra), Wallajah Salai (near Victoria Hostel Road), Bharathi Salai & Victoria Hostel Road Junction, Dr Besant Road (near MRTS), Lloyds Road x Natesan Road, and from Natesan Road x Dr RK Salai Junction.

 The entire Loop Road from South Canal Bank Road up to Lighthouse Junction will be closed for vehicular traffic as per necessity. On Flag Staff Road, vehicles will not be allowed from Wallajah Point towards War Memorial  from 8 pm. MTC buses bound to the north from Greenways Point will be diverted at R.K. Mutt U-turn towards Thiruvengadam Street, Devanathan Street, RK Mutt Road, Venkateswara Agraharam Street (Saibaba Temple), Nageshwara Park to reach their destination.

In Besant Nagar, vehicles will not be allowed towards 6th Avenue from 8 pm on Dec 31 to 6 am on Jan 1. Entry to 6th Avenue will be blocked at 5th Avenue Junction, 4th Main Road Junction, 3rd Main Road Junction, 16th Cross Street, and 7th Avenue MG Road Junction towards Annai Velankanni Church. All flyovers will be closed from 8 pm on Dec 31 till 6 am on Jan 1, police said.