Civic – Page 9 – Citizen Matters, Chennai

Chennai Buzz: Monsoon vulnerability | Nod to four smart city projects | Chennai Central turns green…and more

September 17, 2018 News Desk

Smart city projects worth Rs 258 crore were sanctioned last week; which are these and which areas will they impact? How are power and water supply set to change in the days to come? Catch all this and more important news from last week in our weekly Chennai buzz.

Concrete tracks, play area, gym — does Bessie really need any of this?

September 15, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The modernisation of Chennai’s Besant Nagar beach with central funds obtained under the Swadesh Darshan scheme has left citizens and environmentalists deeply disturbed. Here’s why!

Still grappling with property tax self declaration? Here’s what GCC’s Revenue Department has to say

September 14, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

What are the mandatory fields in the self declaration form? How can NRIs submit the form? Do you pay property tax even when your plot is empty? These and other common questions among readers answered by the Deputy Commissioner of the Corporation Revenue Department.

Chennai Buzz: Biometrics at registration, awareness campaign for RWH, longer wait for Metro trains, and more!

September 11, 2018 News Desk

Catch up on civic news for the week that went by, as the city makes plans to combat the coming monsoon!

Choked storm water drains, battered roads: When will Chennai be monsoon-ready?

September 10, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The Kerala floods have led to serious concerns over how Tamil Nadu would deal with a similar natural disaster. Looking closer home, at a few neighbourhoods in Chennai, we find there’s a lot to be done, and the short-staffed GCC must start today if we really want to be prepared.

Kodambakkam to Egmore for Rs.14, with a Metro ride thrown in!

September 7, 2018 G Ananthakrishnan

Several Chennai Metro stations wear a deserted look even at peak hours because they cannot be accessed easily. When will the government address the critical issue of last mile connectivity from Metro stations?

Chennai Corporation plans polls for street vendor committees, but how fair will they be?

September 5, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The election of town vending committees could go a long way in regularising the business of street vendors and earning them a place of dignity. But the Corporation’s lackadaisical attitude has left 50% of them ineligible to vote.

How to submit self declaration form for property tax assessment in Chennai

August 25, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Following a GO to raise property taxes, Greater Chennai Corporation has asked all home owners to submit a self declaration with details of their property. By this Friday, August 31st. If you’re wondering how to go about it, this guide will help you.

Chennai’s standing by Kerala — here’s what you can do

August 21, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Flood-ravaged Kerala has perhaps seen the worst through, but the journey ahead will be long and arduous. Chennai has already stood by its neighbour steadfastly. The need now is to figure out what exactly is needed at this juncture and pitch in accordingly, say social workers.

Government spends Rs 1.5 lakh every month for empty beggar rehabilitation home

August 16, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

For three years now, the beggar rehab centre at Melpakkam near Avadi has had no inmates. Yet it has not been decommissioned and continues to have paid staff on the rolls. Is Chennai really beggar-free? And if it is, why is public money being spent on the home?

Chennai buzz: Grieving for Kalaignar, CCTV surveillance plans, new safety feature in buses

August 14, 2018 News Desk

Catch the most important headlines from your city over the week gone by in this round-up.

Thousands of abandoned vehicles across city set to go under the hammer

August 10, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Chennai Corporation has seized a total of 7912 vehicles so far from various spots in the city, some unclaimed since the floods of 2015! Another list is expected shortly from the ongoing drive. What is the plan for these vehicles?