The Corporation Budget today included a slew of green initiative measures, besides the Rs. 415 crore allocation to undertake storm water drain projects in the city to prevent flooding during rains.

This is the first ever budget to be presented after the civic body was renamed as Greater Chennai Corporation by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

Greater Chennai Corporation Mayor Saidai Duraiswamy began the session by greeting the Chief Minister on the occasion of her 68th birthday.

Presenting a tax free Budget, Mr. Duraiswamy said Rs. 50 crore had been allotted for ‘Amma Theatres’, which would offer cost-effective entertainment for people of the city. Amma Shopping Complex would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 825 crore in the city.

A total of Rs. 415 crore had been allotted for storm water drain project following the deluge caused by heavy flooding due to rains in December last year and in a bid to prevent flooding in future, he said.

Announcing a slew of special schemes, he said, in an effort to make the city greener more trees would be planted in a 30.33 acre land.

He said 15 catamarans would be purchased for all 15 zones for cleaning waterways, which would in turn curb the mosquito menace.

Digital maps would keep track of garbage trucks, water stagnation and desilting of canals and drains.