Explainers – Citizen Matters, Chennai

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.

Can electric vehicles check rising carbon emissions in Chennai?

November 2, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

A recent study has ranked Chennai second among all metros in terms of overall vehicular emissions. It also stands second in fuel consumption. Can electric vehicles provide a solution? What could be the ways to expedite the switch?

Have you scanned the draft voters’ list for your name?

October 25, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Will you be voting in 2019? Here is how first-time voters and those who wish to change details or delete their names from the voters list can do so! Last date for applications is October 31, 2018.

A ‘green’ guide for RWAs striving to build sustainable apartment communities

October 6, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

An apartment complex in the city has embraced a novel, DIY method of waste management that has helped them reduce the amount of waste generated and sent to landfills. Here are some key learnings from the experience of Ceebros Boulevard.

Mileage, check. Colour, check. Did you check emissions from your new vehicle?

September 19, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Vehicular emissions are among the chief sources of pollutants in Chennai’s air. But how many people know that they can check the environmental performance of their vehicle at the time of buying, by looking at a document that the dealer is mandated by law to provide to every customer?