EDITORS’ PICK – Page 2 – Citizen Matters, Chennai

Flowing water bodies become parched lands: Where did the water go?

February 20, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Keezhkattalai and Pallavaram lakes, that once were primary sources of water for irrigation as well as domestic use, now suffer the effects of rampant encroachment, often sanctioned by governments themselves. Restoration work has also been moving at snail’s pace.

In pictures: The sad truth of plastic use in Chennai, despite ban

February 14, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Blame it on ineffective implementation by the government or callousness of citizens themselves, but single-use plastic is still seen in many a nook and corner of the city. Here are a few examples.

Water situation ominous; is Chennai prepared for summer ahead?

February 13, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Groundwater levels around the city have dropped to their lowest in years, lakes have shrunk and major reservoirs are running dry: Chennai stares at a parched few months ahead, though rainfall over 2018 was actually higher than in 2016. What explains the present situation?

Many battles to fight before Chennai wins war against plastic

February 12, 2019 N S Parthasarathy

The goal of ensuring a plastic-free city is a step in the right direction, but the issue of dealing with the already existing and potential plastic waste in the system needs much deeper attention and careful handling.

When Angada meets Hamlet on a Chennai stage

February 11, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Mythology, epics and historical novels have always been a favourite in Tamil theatre. Today, new age theatre groups in the city are experimenting with them, modernising characters, contexts and weaving in eclectic art forms to take the story to the people.

Chennai school kids come together at hackathon to solve civic problems

February 4, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Can a motley group of school students aged 8 to 13 suggest and devise solutions to problems such as air pollution, waste management and water scarcity? Yes, they can and the Sarvalokaa Hackathon in the city gave them a platform to showcase their innovative solutions.

Why do so many of our slick Metro stations wear a deserted look?

February 1, 2019 G Ananthakrishnan

Chennai Metro looks all set to offer a faster, modern commute alternative across its full length of 45.1 km in Phase I. But it can never achieve its full potential until certain grave policy mistakes are corrected.

Rich display of 4000-year-old art form leaves Chennai spellbound

January 30, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Art, tradition, community and environmental responsibility — this heady mix came alive in Chennai recently, when the first ever India Quilt Festival showcased the practice of quilting and its many forms. Citizen Matters in conversation with one of the organizers of the festival.

In this year of scanty rains, how are Chennai’s winged winter tourists doing?

January 25, 2019 Mariayn Jennifer

Every winter, hundreds of birds arrive in Chennai and set up haunts around its marshlands and waterbodies. An avid bird watcher shares his insights on the trends, habits and the observations this year.

Why amateur badminton enthusiasts in Chennai are a disgruntled lot

January 22, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Football and cricket hog dominant space in the 210 Corporation-owned playgrounds, while the parks are meant for children’s play areas and greenery. Where, then, can one indulge her love for badminton, which is growing increasingly popular as a recreational sport among Chennaiites?

In five years, T Nagar will see dramatic transformation: Ashwathy Dilip, ITDP

January 21, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

How will the ongoing pedestrianisation project in T Nagar under the Chennai Smart City mission impact the area and the lives of residents and visitors? Will it address the current concerns shared by citizens and traders? Can it hold lessons for other neighbourhoods?

Bhogi pollution less this year, says TNPCB, but can Chennai rest easy?

January 15, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Historical data shows that the air quality in Chennai hovers between poor and severe not just during festivals such as Bhogi and Diwali, but often on other days as well. Is the TNPCB up to the challenge?