Meenakshi Ramesh Citizen Matters, Chennai

Getting started with source segregation

October 3, 2017 Meenakshi Ramesh

So October 2 has come and gone. We duly remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his birthday, and went about our usual business. A few people also speak about cleanliness in our public spaces, since it is

Mandatory segregation? Great idea, but how can we implement it?

September 15, 2017 Meenakshi Ramesh

The reported move of the GCC to make segregation at source mandatory is music to the ears of many waste champions in the city, but they know that a lot more needs to be done to make the mission a success on a city-wide scale.

Yes, it’s time to raise a toast to our city again!

August 1, 2017 Meenakshi Ramesh

Are you all set to participate in the birthday celebrations of your favourite city, Chennai that was once Madras? As Madras month commences, here’s a quick look at its history and how you could be a part of it over the next few weeks.

Embracing all creatures great and small

July 18, 2017 Meenakshi Ramesh

Not even threats to personal safety can thwart him off his chosen path of saving animals. Meet Chennai’s 16-year-old animal rescuer who imparts strong lessons in compassion in an increasingly cruel world.

Learning to live with snakes…in the city!

April 29, 2017 Meenakshi Ramesh

While sudden encounters with snakes are not uncommon in Chennai, few know the right steps to take in these situations. Reptile conservationist Shravan Krishnan has some tips.

Chennai mourns the passing of an icon, quietly

December 7, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

Glimpses from the city on a day when it bid final farewell to one of its greatest icons, as the ruling chief minister J Jayalalithaa – Amma to all – passed away.

Creating cooler shades for Chennai: A chat with the Founder of Nizhal

November 4, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

Citizen Matters caught up with the founder of Nizhal, who has been committed to the cause of greening Chennai for over a decade now.

The many faces of Deepavali in Chennai

October 29, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

The pull of the fireworks and the call of a cleaner, greener planet – how is Chennai balancing the two this Deepavali? Meenakshi Ramesh finds out.

Arun Krishnamurthy is saving our environment, one lake at a time

September 22, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

Krishnamurthy, who has founded the Environment Foundation of India, is a shining example of the positive change that one passionate and committed individual can bring about. Meenakshi Ramesh meets the inspiring young man.

How 89-year young Kamakshi Paati is inspiring change in Chennai

August 29, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

Her enthusiasm for meeting people is equalled only by her indignation at the pathetic state of the infrastructure all over the city – the roads that get relaid without being milled, the storm water drains

Let us work towards an accident free nation

August 5, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

Does it not bother you that Chennai is the ‘accident capital‘ of India? And according to some reports, we have the second highest number of road accidents in the WORLD, after the Brazilian city of

Hitesh – Volunteer Experience at Vegam (Athletic meet for the Differently Abled)

August 1, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

My Experience volunteering for Vegam 2016 It’s been two weeks, but the excitement and the spirit of volunteering for Vegam hasn’t faded. July 16th was a big day for all the 1180 differently abled students,

Teach your Dog some Etiquette

July 14, 2016 Aarti Madhusudan and Meenakshi Ramesh

Of Dog Owners, Dog Lovers and Dog Poop – an ANGRY citizen I like dogs. I like people. I am a really nice person. Sweet tempered and non confrontational – This is a fact even

Reclaim Chennai’s waterways, say ‘no’ to floods!

June 24, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

Reclaim Chennai’s waterways, say ‘no’ to floods! There are close to 3600 water bodies in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram to store and recharge water and channelize excess water into the sea. However, the indiscriminate development

Indian of the Year 2015 – People of Chennai

June 21, 2016 Meenakshi Ramesh

The real heroes of the 2015 Chennai floods: A volunteer reflects It’s been a little over six months since Chennai found itself in the grip of ravaging floods that wreaked havoc in the urban landscape