August | 2019 | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Why MTC ridership in Chennai fell by 20 crores in a year

August 31, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

The drop in ridership for MTC buses — the number of rides taken by bus across all trips — over the last two years has been quite drastic. What is pushing commuters away from buses and what can the MTC do about it?

This year, let’s celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Chennai the green way

August 30, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Rooting for clay idols? We have an even better suggestion. Looking for green decor ideas? Or wondering how to minimise the use of disposables? It’s all here. As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, here’s your complete guide to eco-friendly celebrations.

Celebrating the life and times of the man who knew infinity

August 28, 2019 Balakumar M

A peek inside the Ramanujan Museum, which houses intriguing artefacts and memorabilia from the life of one of the world’s most renowned mathematicians.

Celebrating Madras Day with fascinating facts about the city

August 27, 2019 R Sundararaman

Did you know Chennai had freezing temperatures in the summer of 1815 because of weather changes caused by a volcanic eruption in a distant land? A special quiz as part of continuing Madras week celebrations in Chennai throws up remarkable facts and trivia about the city.

Citizens in the dark as Corporation and CMDA ignore zoning laws at will

August 26, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

How can a residential locality be changed to allow operations of banks, restaurants or other commercial establishments? CMDA and Chennai Corporation are far from transparent on the rules, while residents watch haplessly, often entirely unaware of plans till the damage has been done.

Chennai Buzz: Water tanker strike called off | World Bank funding for roads project | Dial for Water gets upgrade..and more!

August 25, 2019 News Desk

From the latest update on the tanker protests to the reported terror threat to city, and boost for several large infrastructure projects, catch the most important news headlines from the city over the last seven days.

How ‘smart city’ Chennai can be more resilient to disasters such as 2015 floods

August 24, 2019 Varun Sukumar

Technology in many ways forms the base for a smart city. With the 2015 floods exposing the city’s inability to deal with heavy rains and flooding, the smart city mission should address the gaps and build resilience through use of digital infrastructure.

How Kasturba Nagar residents are working towards a cleaner Adyar

August 21, 2019 S Sridharan

Members of ROKA — Residents Of Kasturba Nagar Association — write about the association’s dedicated efforts to restore cleanliness and hygiene in the larger neighbourhood, with proper waste management practices in place.

Corporate volunteers join Road Safety Council to bat for accident-free OMR

August 20, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

The Chennai Road Safety Council is a coming together of various organisations, volunteers from which are helping to raise awareness on road safety and traffic rules at busy junctions on OMR.

To B or not to B: Weighing the BRTS option for OMR

August 19, 2019 Harsha and Prabha Koda

Residents of OMR attended a public consultation for the proposed Bus Rapid Transit System in Chennai but remain apprehensive about the project and its utility for them. Here’s why.

Chennai Buzz: Water situation improves | Lake clean ups | Plans for Metro Phase 2… and more

August 17, 2019 News Desk

What exactly is the water scenario in the city now? Shall the rains continue long enough? Why are eateries and food vendors under the scanner of the Chennai collectorate? And what can we expect from Metro Phase 2? A quick compilation of some important news from the week gone by.

As India steps into her 73rd year, let’s ask for area sabhas in our city

August 16, 2019 Aruna Subramaniam

Want to know more about decentralisation of urban governance? Wish you had a greater say in the way your ward is governed and managed? Come, meet this women’s group to know how you can make these reality.

On the fast track: Will the proposed Bus Rapid Transit System help Chennai?

August 16, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

The proposed BRTS corridors will cover seven key sections of the city including GST Road, OMR, Koyambedu, Thoraipakkam and Chromepet, running along a stretch of 120 km. But how will it really impact commuters in the city?

How does MTC hope to improve disability access with its lorries-turned-buses?

August 14, 2019 G Ananthakrishnan

Buses in Chennai provide poor access to persons with disabilities, with very few low-floor vehicles and exclusionary designs, and MTC’s recent promises do not inspire much hope either.

In photos: How temple tanks are helping the city conserve rain water

August 13, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Most temples in Chennai and suburbs were designed to include tanks, that help to collect rainwater and recharge the groundwater in neighbouring areas. Take a look at some of these tanks today to see how they are preparing to catch and save water as the rains arrive.