January | 2020 | | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Source segregation in North Chennai up from 20% to more than 30% in just three months: P Akash, RDC North

January 31, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

North Chennai has its share of pressing problems, which are often more acute than in the southern and central areas of the city. We spoke to the Regional Deputy Commissioner (North) of the Chennai Corporation, P Akash and asked him about the initiatives and plans for the region.

How an international tag can help save the Pallikaranai marshland

January 29, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

From 13,500 acres in 1972, the Pallikaranai marshland has shrunk to a mere 1,500 acres due to rampant encroachment and continuous dumping of municipal waste. While the Corporation plans to biomine the area to restore the wetland, citizen activists are pinning hopes on Ramsar recognition for the site.

Wake-up call: Read the writing in the Kolams

January 28, 2020 V Sriram

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.

Why Chennai is celebrating Padmashri award to a doctor in a remote part of Assam

January 27, 2020 Aruna Subramaniam

Dr Ravi Kannan left a successful career and a comfortable life in Chennai to move to a remote area near Silchar, to treat thousands of underserved cancer patients. A personal tribute to his remarkable journey, as Chennai celebrates his Padmashri award.

Metro Water’s 10 big promises for Chennai citizens in 2020

January 27, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board put forth ambitious goals of expansion of services and initiatives at the very start of the year; taking a look at the ten big goals of the department in 2020.

Chennai Buzz: 20 lakh in fines for plastic use | Fees for garbage collection | Schoolkids’ fitness survey…and more

January 26, 2020 News Desk

Waste management, environmental activism, infrastructure work — catch the news from various fronts in the city over the week past.

The silver lining in Chennai skies

January 24, 2020 Swati Amar

Age or illness has not dampened the zeal with which some of Chennai’s senior citizens are working to create a better life for others. Swati Amar meets a few such individuals in the city who are setting sterling examples in how to savour life to the fullest, through sharing and giving!

சென்னையில் போக்ஸோ வழக்குகள்: தாமதிக்கப்பட்ட நீதி மறுக்கப்பட்ட நீதியாகிறது

January 23, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Hundreds of POCSO cases have been languishing in Chennai courts due to lack of adequate infrastructure and procedural lapses. Read the tamil translation of our article detailing the issues in getting speedy justice in POCSO cases.

அழிவை நோக்கி மெல்ல செல்லும் கொரட்டூர் ஏரியை நம்மால் மீட்க முடியுமா?

January 21, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Water bodies across the city have suffered the impact of encroachment and discharge of sewage and effluents. The fate of Korattur Lake is no different. Read the Tamil translation of our article on the slow demise of this vital water body.

Could Chennai see a repeat water crisis in 2020? Hear what Tamil Nadu Weatherman has to say

January 20, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

We catch up with Tamil Nadu Weatherman, Pradeep John, to hear his analysis of the north east monsoon this year, and if the city will have enough water to tide over the summer.

Chennai Buzz: Traffic diversions this week | 15-day stay on public assembly | HC order to children’s hospital… and more

January 20, 2020 News Desk

Catch some of last week’s most important headlines that could have a bearing on life in the city.

A year on, Chennai still awaits CUMTA

January 17, 2020 V Sriram

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.

POCSO cases in Chennai: Where justice delayed is justice denied

January 16, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Despite stringent laws on paper, justice in child sex abuse (CSA) cases is a far cry, suggests five-year-old data shared by Greater Chennai Police. What delays justice in these cases, and what are the long-term implications?

Chennai helplines for women suffering abuse, gender violence or mental health issues

January 15, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

Women facing gender-based violence and abuse, or suffering from mental health issues, can seek help by dialling any one of these government helplines or by reaching out to these non-profits that offer assistance and support in times of specific need.

Let’s swap, not shop: Snapshots and conversations from Chennai’s ‘Reuse and Reduce Sale’

January 14, 2020 Mahesh V

Take a look at scenes from the Swap Sale organised by Chennai Corporation, and hear about the thought and philosophy behind the event from one of the key organisers, Alby John Varghese, Regional Deputy Commissioner (South).