March | 2020 | | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Lockdown woes: Uncertainty and fear grip domestic workers as the month ends

March 31, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

The future appears bleak and full of struggle for hundreds of domestic workers in Chennai, who have lost their jobs or been suspended without pay for the time being, because of the lockdown.

How migrant workers at Kanathur are living through the COVID crisis

March 30, 2020 Mahesh V

A hundred odd families, primarily from Jharkhand, employed as masons or workers in the city, live in Kanathur off East Coast Road. How are they coping in the face of the lockdown, when most government schemes are also out of bounds for them?

கொரோனா நமக்குக் கூறுவது என்ன? – ஒரு ஆய்வு

March 30, 2020 Vadivu Mahendran

How has Chennai handled the outbreak of novel coronavirus so far? What does it say about the nature of our cities? A piece in Tamil by Vadivu Mahendran that delves into the various aspects of the outbreak.

Chennai Buzz: COVID-19 updates | Multilevel parking at T Nagar | HC relaxes condition for packaged water plants…and more

March 29, 2020 News Desk

The coronavirus pandemic has predictably dominated news in the city over the last week. Along with the latest on the COVID front, check out some other important news from the city.

Spare a thought for those who are risking their lives to keep the city clean

March 28, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Even as the numbers of infected Coronavirus patients are on the rise, most of Chennai’s conservancy workers continue to report to work daily, with minimal, and often zero, protective gear. What can we do to help this vulnerable group?

கோவிட் 19: அடுக்கு மாடி குடியிருப்புகள் செய்ய வேண்டியவை என்ன?

March 27, 2020 Bhavani Prabhakar

What can apartments do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep residents safe? Here are some useful tips and instructions.

நீண்டநேர பணி, சுகாதார அபாயங்கள், வசதியின்மை: சென்னை போக்குவரத்து காவலர்களின் அன்றாட இன்னல்கள்

March 27, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Long days with no breaks and lack of facilities such as restrooms make lives of traffic police very tough. Here’s a Tamil translation of our article on what ails those who keep our roads congestion-free.

Here is how you can help Chennai during the lockdown!

March 26, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

Stuck indoors but looking to contribute to those in need? Have some time to spare and willing to help the vulnerable during this difficult time? Here is how you can lend a helping hand for Chennai during the lockdown.

The forgotten connection between Madras and smallpox eradication

March 25, 2020 V Sriram

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

Chennai under lockdown: Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past!

March 25, 2020 Mahesh V

What went wrong when the PM called for a janata curfew on March 22nd? Are we better-prepared to isolate ourselves completely now, for the next 21 days? We must, if we want to beat the coronavirus.

Covid-19 lockdown: Small businesses in Chennai feel the pinch

March 24, 2020 Bhavani Prabhakar

Small vendors, eateries and travel agents take a hit as the city stares at lockdown to deal with the coronavirus crisis

Want to help out during coronavirus crisis? Reach out to a senior citizen today

March 23, 2020 Aruna Subramaniam

Senior citizens are the most vulnerable section of our population during this outbreak of coronavirus – both physically and emotionally. Reach out to senior citizens you know and see how you can help them.

Chennai Buzz: COVID-19 city update | FOMRRA petition to CM | Madras HC seeks DPR for Loop Road

March 22, 2020 News Desk

How is Chennai preparing to battle the coronavirus pandemic? What is Madras HC’s take on the proposed Loop Road project? Why are OMR residents opposing the second Tirumala Tirupati shrine? Read here.

Kotturpuram’s Rita akka loves her cats and dogs

March 21, 2020 M Palani Kumar

Her mornings go in clearing garbage in Kotturpuram’s streets for Chennai Corporation, but Rita akka, a differently-abled contract worker, spends her evenings feeding and talking to her canine companions.

மீண்டும் ஒரு பசுமைப் புரட்சி – சென்னையில் வளர்ந்து வரும் மாடித்தோட்டங்கள்

March 19, 2020 Vadivu Mahendran

Terrace gardens are a growing phenomenon in the city. In this Tamil article, Vadivu Mahendran gives us some tips on how to set up and maintain a terrace garden and the many benefits it brings.

What’s stopping Chennai government schools from catching up with Corporation schools?

March 18, 2020 Bhavani Prabhakar

Locked toilets, inadequate teachers and missing infrastructure. Not uncommon when you visit government schools in Chennai. On the contrary, several schools in Chennai run by the GCC are doing very well, and the difference can be seen in the enthusiasm of students. What’s the reason for such disparity?

88256 90497: A number you don’t want to dial… and what you can do to avoid that

March 17, 2020 Mahesh V

While talk about the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 is dominating conversation everywhere, a lot more needs to be done to contain the spread of the disease in India. And as citizens, we must do our bit.

Testing for COVID19: Is Chennai doing enough?

March 17, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

Even as Tamil Nadu reported only one positive case of novel Coronavirus since the emergence of the disease within India, which has since been eradicated, questions remain about the manner in which testing is being done and whether it is enough to rule out community spread. What are experts saying?

Chennai Buzz: Primary schools shut | Smart Carts for Marina vendors | Water supply cut for S Chennai…and more

March 16, 2020 News Desk

A recap of some key civic developments last week, from all over the city

கரோனா பீதி: தயார் நிலையில் உள்ளதா சென்னை?

March 15, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Many Indian cities have closed schools and cancelled large gatherings as precaution against the coronavirus. But life in Chennai seems to be going on as normal. Read the Tamil translation of our photo-essay on how Chennai is coping with the pandemic scare.