Articles by V Sriram

In 2010, a Madras High Court bench had mandated protection and restoration of the city’s heritage structures, suffering years of neglect. Sadly, both state and public will appear to be lacking.

COVID numbers in the city have gone down recently, but that may not mean that the peak has passed. People must celebrate responsibly.

The COVID-19 crisis has revived the debate over a shift of the TN capital to Madurai or Trichy. A look at some important factors that should guide the decision.

Presently, corrugated sheets are nailed all around the infected house or block, leaving an opening much like the eye of a needle! What if there is a need for emergency evacuation?

It is difficult to figure out why the suggested new spellings for these areas in the city are what they are, writes historian V Sriram.

There must be clear communication on dos and don’t and procedures to be followed upon lifting of lockdown in order to avoid chaos and confusion among the citizens, writes Sriram V.

As India enters a 21 day lockdown to fight coronavirus, read about the man from Madras who helped eradicate smallpox.

The rules have been relaxed for the erection of banners for social, religious and political events, increasing the possibility of reappearance of banners and hoardings across the city.

Chennai has never been afraid to stand up for what it feels is right. Eminent writer and heritage activist V Sriram decries the strong-arm tactics against peaceful, artistic expressions of dissent in the city, such as the recent one against Kolams carrying a message.

Hurdles in the formation of CUMTA has prolonged the chaos of public commute in the city; a central authority to provide a cohesive vision remains missing.

As Madras Week draws closer, historian V Sriram talks of the various reasons to celebrate the city.

Chennai needs effective, workable and lasting solutions to water management, property encroachment, traffic violation, public transport, local area planning, river cleanups and other issues that the city grapples with, but are the proposed Smart City projects really in sync with ground realities?