Solutions – Citizen Matters, Chennai

Rs 1.36 crore a day for just 200 million litres of water; can Chennai really afford desalination plants?

March 7, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

The operational and maintenance cost of the two functional desalination plants is exorbitant, while it is possible to procure the same yield in the form of treated water from lakes, ponds and quarries at one fourth the cost. Why, then, is Chennai looking at a third plant?

A tale of two ponds that could mean less flooding for Sholingannalur this year

March 5, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Naturally blessed with hundreds of lakes and ponds, the city of Chennai can easily improve its ground water levels by restoring these water bodies. Here are two success stories of pond rejuvenation projects that could inspire other neighbourhoods in the city.

Here’s how you can fight water crisis by recycling greywater!

February 21, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

As Chennai braces for a water-starved summer, here is how you can do your bit to conserve the resource: reduce water consumption by recycling greywater.

Going zero-waste may not be as difficult as we think; here’s why

January 8, 2019 Seetha Gopalakrishnan

It’s not expensive, nor does it entail a huge investment of time, and a good number of conscious citizens in Chennai have already taken firm steps towards sustainable living. The recently-enforced plastic ban could provide a great opportunity for all to move towards the same.

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.

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.

Dear PDS authorities, spare a thought for couples in love!

November 15, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The online procedure to obtain a smart card for PDS supplies makes it mandatory for you to produce a certificate of deletion from your family’s card. For many in the city, who have severed ties with the family, it is proving to be very difficult. Here’s why.

What do Tiruvottiyur and Padur have in common?

August 24, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Distanced by location, differentiated in socio-cultural profile, the Chennai localities of Padur and Tiruvottiyur have something similar, which they can truly take pride in: two successful, citizen-driven waste management initiatives.

Now, grow your own veggies without mining soil and sand from nature

August 21, 2018 Hema Vijay

Sitting right here in your city, Chennai’s grand old kitchen gardener-activist, S.S. Radhakrishnan, has concocted a perfect organic substitute to soil. Here’s a complete guide that can help all avid urban farmers and gardeners make their own soil and pursue their passion in an even more sustainable way.

Plastic ban: Where there’s a will, there’s going to be a way!

August 2, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Watch this video to see how self-help groups under the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women are helping temples in Kancheepuram and Chennai city switch to greener options.

சென்னையில் உங்கள் வீட்டிற்கு சூரிய மின்சக்தி இணைப்பு பெற வழிகாட்டி

July 31, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Subsidies offered by the central government and state to encourage renewable energy has reduced the cost of going solar. But what does it take for the ordinary citizen in Chennai to get a rooftop solar installation?

Around 100 water bodies in Chennai set to get a new lease of life; here’s how

July 26, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Civic authorities, NGOs, corporate organisations and domain experts have all come together to identify and work on restoring these water bodies with active community participation. It is hoped that this will prevent recurrence of a 2015-like urban flood.