Explainers – Citizen Matters, Chennai

K N Ramachandran, Sriperumbudur: Ears on the ground but poor record in debates

April 13, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Sriperumbudur voters, if you are wondering what your MP K N Ramachandran has done in the last five years — how he used his local area development (MPLAD) funds, or the issues that he raised in Parliament — here’s a report card.

Who should represent you in the 17th Lok Sabha?

April 10, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

In a little more than a week, Chennai goes to polls. What should your ideal candidate be like? What can he do for you and the constituency? Prashanth Goutham of Arappor Iyakkam has a few pointers for prospective voters.

மறுசுழற்சி மூலம் தண்ணீர் தட்டுப்பாட்டை சமாளிக்க எளிய வழி!

March 25, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

தண்ணீர் தட்டுப்பாட்டை சமாளிக்க அதிக முதலீடு இல்லாமல் எளிதாக செயலாக்க முடிந்த மறுசுழற்சி முறையை எப்படி செய்யலாம்?

Why Chennai’s green brigade stood up against a run to save the Olive ridley

March 1, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Chennai’s beaches are a popular draw, often used for conducting events to sensitise the general public about various issues. This one sought to promote conservation of an endangered species. But was the run posing a larger threat to the environment and ecosystem at large?

Why do we see fewer migratory birds in Pallikaranai?

February 22, 2019 R Sonia

Unabated dumping of garbage in the waters of Pallikaranai and rampant encroachment by the Chennai Corporation as well as the people have dealt a big blow to the biodiversity of the area.

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.

மனஅழுத்தமா? உதவிட காத்திருக்கும் ஹெல்ப்லைன்கள்

January 31, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

மனஅழுத்தத்தால் அவதிப்படுபவர்களுக்கு
உதவிடகாத்திருக்கும் ஹெல்ப்லைன்கள் என்ன? அவற்றை எப்படி பயன்படுத்துவது?

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.

“An opportunity for our state to show the way”: Rajendra Ratnoo on plastic ban

January 3, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

A chat with Rajendra Ratnoo, IAS, on the plastic ban in force and the plans of the state to promote eco-friendly alternatives.

We wish you a happy and plastic-free new year!

January 1, 2019 Meenakshi Ramesh

As the ban on single use plastics comes into effect in Tamil Nadu, we recap our stories related to solid waste management, and appeal to all our readers to join the movement.

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.

Colistin-resistant bacteria in your food: What does that really mean?

November 14, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

A recent study looking at food samples from Chennai were found to contain bacteria resistant to an ‘antibiotic of last resort’. But how does such bacteria enter our food? Here are a few things you should know.