Features | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Meet the mridangam makers of Mylapore

September 17, 2019 Ashna Butani/PARI

Jesudas and his son Edwin are skilled craftsmen, known in the Carnatic music universe of Chennai and elsewhere for the mridangams they give life to, though they still face occasional communal bias.

On thriving ECR, a family left behind relates its story

September 16, 2019 Mahesh V

Paul Rajapandian, or Raja, lives with his two daughters and a granddaughter in a small shack alongside ECR road. His family has been in the cane weaving business for over two generations. In the buzzing suburbs of our metropolis, lives such as Raja’s remain invisible.

In photos: How temple tanks are helping the city conserve rain water

August 13, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Most temples in Chennai and suburbs were designed to include tanks, that help to collect rainwater and recharge the groundwater in neighbouring areas. Take a look at some of these tanks today to see how they are preparing to catch and save water as the rains arrive.

A day spent with cops in one of Chennai’s all women police stations

August 6, 2019 M Varsha

Marked by long work hours, lack of support system and complex roles, what is life like for female police personnel in Chennai? We spent a day at the D1 All Women Police Station to learn more about the many challenges faced by these women in khaki.

Nagpur, Kolkata or Panruti — where do the veggies you cook everyday come from?

August 1, 2019 Sri Loganathan

Every vegetable has a fascinating journey before it reaches the Koyambedu market and from there to your kitchen. See what sellers have to say about where the different kinds and varieties are actually grown.

Rivers remember, but why don’t we?

July 19, 2019 Himanshu Upadhyaya

‘Rivers Remember: #ChennaiRains and the Shocking Truth of a Manmade Flood’ by Krupa Ge is a stark pointer towards consequences of ignoring and abusing the rivers and wetlands in our cities, and also the breakdown of the administrative machinery in times of disaster.

“Rethink urban development”: Author of new book on 2015 Chennai floods

July 19, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Krupa Ge, author of Rivers Remember, speaks about the research that went into writing the book and key learnings for Chennai and other cities from the floods of 2015.

Why are so many refugees leaving Chennai’s Kelambakkam camp?

July 4, 2019 Sri Loganathan

Statistics from the UNHCR indicate that at least 11 Rohingyas have migrated from the camp at Kelambakkam over the past eight months. This video looks into what is driving them away from Chennai, a city where they feel safe and at home.

Dry taps, blocked sewers, garbage mess and more: Koyambedu market cries out for better infrastructure

June 13, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Koyambedu market has Asia’s largest perishable goods complex. But with heaps of garbage, water scarcity and serious sanitation issues creating really sorry conditions on the ground, authorities really need to act urgently.

What does Ramzan mean to Triplicane?

May 16, 2019 Sri Loganathan

Illuminated roads, varieties of food and a pervasive spirit of hope and unity. A walk on the roads of Triplicane during Ramadan month reflects festive fervour and harmony. Watch our short video to know more about the Big Mosque and its observance of Ramzan.

This is how Election Commission and public entities are sensitising citizens to vote

April 16, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Ahead of elections to the 17th Lok Sabha, Greater Chennai Corporation and public entities conduct back-to-back awareness campaigns, emphasising the right and duty to vote.

Enter the jungle: Where in this busy city would you find 150 species of birds?

April 12, 2019 Seetha Gopalakrishnan

The Guindy National Park is not just a critical green lung in the heart of Chennai, but also an excellent space to showcase urban forest conservation. Let this photoessay take you on a visual stroll through the park with its marvellous display of flora and fauna.