Woodshield range of varnish

Jotun Paints has launched Woodshield, its latest range of premium, interior and exterior stains and varnish products. They offer aesthetic appeal, durability, colour protection, less odour and superior protection against dust, dirt and harsh climate for wood surfaces, says a press release from the paint company.

Mr Percy Jijina, Sales Director, Decorative, of Jotun India, says wood has limitless possibilities for creative design inspirations, and many people prefer stylish wooden interiors to add to the aesthetic appeal and elegance of their homes. But there is always a sense of reluctance because of maintenance challenges in the long run. The Woodshield range offers superior wood protection against extreme conditions for not just interiors and furniture but also exteriors. The stains and varnish range don't contain any harmful additives including lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and arsenic.

Woodshield finishes come in 1-litre and 4-litre cans, in stains and varnishes.

Chennai Mega City Mission launched

The Chennai Mega City Development Mission, a road infrastructure development initiative following the expansion of Chennai city area, is to be implemented with the Government issuing the orders, according to an official press release.

The Tamil Nadu Government has issued the orders for the implementation of Chennai Mega City Development Mission for 2011-12, with the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructural Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) to be the Nodal Agency which will handle the Rs 500 crore provided in the budget.

The funding will cover projects of Corporation of Chennai and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The State Government had announced the merger of 42 Local Bodies with the Corporation of Chennai and the city area has been expanded to 426 square kilometres from 174 square kiliometres earlier.

The extended area comprises of eight zones — Thiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Ambattur, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur.

Road grids have been identified in the expanded areas for integrated development at an estimated cost of Rs 333.27 crore, with 360 roads totalling 175.36 kilometres. These have been approved by the Project Sanctioning Committee.

The proposed roads are to be done with integrated footpath, duct for cable, streetlight, street furniture and integrated storm water drains, wherever necessary.

The funds available under the Chennai Mega City Mission are around Rs 308 crore. The additional amount of Rs 25.2 crore will be met by the Corporation of Chennai.

Urban summit in Paris

The New Cities Foundation, a Swiss non-profit organisation for urban innovation, will hold the inaugural New Cities Summit between May 14 and 16, 2012, in Paris, according to a press release.

The annual New Cities Summit is the centrepiece of the Foundation's work with a unique focus on urbanisation in fast-growing economies in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. This event, to take place in Paris-La Défense, brings together global thought leaders in business, public policy, technology, infrastructure, architecture, energy, transport, finance, national and local government, academia, civil society and the media.

India is building hundreds of new cities to house rural dwellers. Megacities require large investments in infrastructure and technology, while historic old cities need to be revamped for liveability and competitiveness. NCF's work examines the complex challenges which many Indian cities are faced with, such as poverty, social exclusion, and environmental degradation, in order to provide opportunities for better change.

The New Cities Foundation has assembled a number of Task Forces composed of specialists from the corporate, policy and academic communities, working together to explore innovative solutions to help shape the best urban practices of tomorrow. NCF's first three Task Forces are in the areas of e-health in a city in Latin America, mobility in a US city, and smart work in the public sector in a European city.

Content for May's Summit will be drawn from these global research initiatives. They will generate replicable models that can be applied to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi or Calcutta, with the aim of improving infrastructure, waste management, energy conservation, and mobility, and thereby helping to generate employment opportunities.

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