August | 2018 | Citizen Matters, Chennai

What is Kasimedu’s connection to the Vijayanagara Empire?

August 31, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

In the last of our articles celebrating Madras Day, read all about the bustling fish market at Kasimedu and its connection to the Vijayanagara empire

Why alumni of Chennai’s College of Engineering, Guindy are a worried lot today

August 30, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Alumni of CEG have floated a petition calling for autonomous status for their college in the wake of the recent scam that rocked Anna University. What are their primary concerns?

Come to St George’s Cathedral, where time stands still on a bustling road

August 29, 2018 Seetha Gopalakrishnan

Just beyond the mad rush of Gemini Circle is a haven of quiet, lending its name to the road it is situated in — the St. George’s Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Madras. Take a stroll through its cool interiors on a sunny afternoon

Chennai Buzz : Helmet compulsory for pillion riders, city’s poor vehicle emission score, new look for 100+ police stations, and more!

August 27, 2018 News Desk

Did you have a busy week? in case you did, here is a quick round up of some key civic developments from last week!

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.

What do Tiruvottiyur and Padur have in common?

August 24, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Distanced by location, differentiated in socio-cultural profile, the Chennai localities of Padur and Tiruvottiyur have something similar, which they can truly take pride in: two successful, citizen-driven waste management initiatives.

How much do you know about TN’s social justice movement?

August 23, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

A heritage tour through the spots that helped shape the social justice movement in Chennai and Tamil Nadu throws up some interesting nuggets from history. Did you know all about these?

The famous red building of Kilpauk and its forgotten connection

August 22, 2018 Sandhya Raju

As the city celebrates Madras Day (Week), a resident remembers her favourite ‘red building’ — the Kilpauk Water Works, which stands as an example of engineering brilliance to this day. But is it merely a part of our colonial legacy, or is there more to it?

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.

Now, grow your own veggies without mining soil and sand from nature

August 21, 2018 Hema Vijay

Sitting right here in your city, Chennai’s grand old kitchen gardener-activist, S.S. Radhakrishnan, has concocted a perfect organic substitute to soil. Here’s a complete guide that can help all avid urban farmers and gardeners make their own soil and pursue their passion in an even more sustainable way.

Chennai buzz: Flood alert, livability index and green plans for the city

August 20, 2018 News Desk

The Kerala floods have put Tamil Nadu on edge too, but Chennai’s doing its bit for the neighbours. A quick look at that, and more news from your city, in case you’ve been too busy to follow the headlines.

Considering organ donation? Here is all the information you need

August 18, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The human body starts decomposing four minutes after a person dies and degenerates completely within a month. The choice is clear. Would you rather let your organs decompose, or gift a life to a person in need by donating them?

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.

When a Corporation school student met a NASA astronaut in Washington D.C.

August 11, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Under the US Consulate’s English Access Microscholarship Programme, eight students from Chennai’s Corporation schools were taken to the US capital recently. R Gopinath was one of them. Citizen Matters Chennai spoke to Gopinath and others who have been a part of the broader programme.