December | 2018 | | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Video: Is Chennai ready for a ‘plastic-less’ new year?

December 31, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The ban on plastic has generated mixed response among Chennai citizens. Yet, there are some who have embraced the cause wholeheartedly and are inspiring others to follow suit.

Chennai Buzz: Plastic ban | Lake restoration | Road user survey…and more

December 31, 2018 News Desk

With the plastic ban and news on lake restoration, Chennai looks to begin the new year on a positive note. A quick round-up of what the city is talking about as we end the year.

What Chennai’s real estate sector tells prospective home buyers

December 28, 2018 Mahesh Kumar S T

Here is what the housing price index from the National Housing Board says about property price trends in the city. Under the circumstances, is renting a better option than buying a home?

A day in the life of a de-addiction centre worker in Chennai

December 27, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Rescue workers in de-addiction centres across the city have a thankless job. It entails a fair amount of physical risk, and yet they remain underpaid and have no medical insurance.

Chennai Buzz: Action against illegal banners | Clean Marina by new year | Failed monsoon…and more

December 22, 2018 News Desk

From the water scenario in the city to action for a cleaner Marina and against illegal hoardings, here’s a quick recap of the city’s most important headlines as we come to the close of the week.

துப்புரவு பணி தனியார்மயம் செய்யப்பட்டால் சென்னை சுத்தமடையுமா?

December 21, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

சென்னை மாநகராட்சியின் துப்புரவு பணியை தனியார்மயமாக்கும் திட்டத்தால் நகரம் சுத்தமாகுமா? தற்பொழுது வேலையில் உள்ள துப்புரவு பணியாளர்களின் நிலை என்ன?

Santhome park opens up infinite possibilities for Chennai kids

December 21, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

The city’s first inclusive park was inaugurated earlier this week. It is tailored to the needs of all children, including those with special needs and disabilities. The vibrant space has seen great reception in a short time.

பிளாஸ்டிக் தடையை கையாள்வது எப்படி? நம்ம ஊரு பவுண்டேஷன் பி. நடராஜனுடன் ஒரு நேர்காணல்

December 19, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

நம்ம ஊரு பவுண்டேஷனின் நிறுவனர் பி. நடராஜனிடம் வரவிருக்கும் பிளாஸ்டிக் தடையைச் சந்திக்க வேண்டிய யுக்திகள் மற்றும் நம்ம ஊரு பவுண்டேஷனின் ஈடுபாட்டினை பற்றி நாங்கள் பேசினோம்.

Victims of stereotyping: How Chennai treats migrants to the city

December 18, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The theme for International Migrants Day 2018, observed on December 18th, is Migration with Dignity. Conversations with migrants from other states to the city, however, reveal that dignity is the last thing they can take for granted even as they continue to live and work here.

Why a visit to Egmore museum fascinates and saddens us at the same time

December 18, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Visitors to the government museum in Egmore are deeply impressed by the breadth of collections on display, yet rue the lack of maintenance and features that could make the museum experience comparable to the best globally.

Chennai Buzz: Cyclone Phethai | Green drive by Corporation | Lake restoration …and more!

December 15, 2018 News Desk

Chennai Metro employees threaten to go on strike, the Corporation launches a plantation drive covering over 200 roads and Chennai awaits spells of rain as Cyclone Phethai intensifies in AP — catch the buzz from your city this week.

Kotturpuram to host celebration of Chola heritage

December 14, 2018 News Desk

The Tamil Heritage Trust is organising a two-day event in Chennai that will celebrate the Cholas and their legacy across art, architecture and literature.

Living with a ban on plastic: Tips from P Natarajan, Namma Ooru Foundation

December 14, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

In view of the upcoming plastic ban in the city, environmentalist P Natarajan explains the role of the government, NGOs and the people in ensuring successful implementation and the steps to be taken.

Alcohol and substance abuse: How to choose a rehabilitation centre in Chennai

December 13, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Chennai has seen a steep rise in the incidence of alcoholism and drug abuse in recent times, leading to a mushrooming of rehabilitation or de-addiction centres in the city. But when does one seek help? And how do you know which one to go to? A quick guide.

Where, oh where, have the goldsmiths gone?

December 12, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

With the mushrooming of giant jewellery showrooms in the city and growing corporatisation, self-employed goldsmiths of yore have become an almost invisible tribe in Chennai. A few, however, hang on to their passion, offering unique creations and customisation.

Winning ideas to revive Buckingham Canal and make Chennai climate-proof

December 10, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Eyes on the Canal, an initiative that aims to revive the Buckingham canal, had launched an open ideas competition to transform the neglected waterway. The winning entries propose various innovative approaches that focus not only on the canal but also on overall climate resilience.

Chennai Buzz : Sewage tanker strike | GCC tender irregularities | RTO goes digital… and more

December 8, 2018 News Desk

From allegations against Corporation bureaucrats to the sewage tanker strike, and political rallies that caught commuters off guard, catch the buzz from your city this week, all right here.

Chennai colleges join hands to fight human trafficking

December 6, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Twelve colleges in Chennai will soon launch anti human trafficking clubs under a joint initiative by the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the International Justice Mission (IJM) and Madras School of Social Work. Their aim: To recognise, report, rescue and campaign.

Will privatisation of waste management make Chennai a cleaner city?

December 5, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Following the uproar among conservancy workers, the Chennai Corporation has postponed the invitation of bids for privatisation of garbage collection. But what does history say about the effectiveness of such a move?

Lives clouded by dust: Crushing units choke Tirusulam residents

December 4, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Rock crushing and m-sand units operating in the open and trucks ferrying gravel cause serious pollution and health risks in the Tirusulam area; yet they are also a source of livelihood for residents who often hold their peace for that reason.