GENRE: Explainers Citizen Matters, Chennai

Chennai’s Master Plan 2026, and a beginner’s guide to understanding it

June 6, 2018 Mahesh Kumar S T

A quick guide to Chennai Master Plan 2026, and how and what to read in the Master plan, based on your interest and level of involvement in civic affairs.

Coastal zone management plan does not follow rulebook; communities feel betrayed

May 22, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Tamil Nadu’s draft Coastal Draft Management Plan does not specify a hazard line, causing confusion and concern among local communities about their future. They say the plan violates the Centre’s CRZ Notification 2011, and must be amended.

All that you wanted to know about switching from ration book to PDS Smart Card

March 31, 2018 Bhavani Prabhakar

From how and where to get your Smart Card, how to link it to Aadhaar, or how to change your details in the card — this guide will answer all your questions about the modern alternative to your ration book.

How can you help in the making of a clean, waste-free Chennai?

March 14, 2018 Sabina Narayan

You can play a big role in making Chennai just like one of those clean, beautiful global cities you visit or watch on TV. It doesn’t take much; just put the trash in the right place, says a long-time crusader.

No more Praveens: Helping the psycho-socially challenged on the streets

February 1, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The tragic death of a 26-year-old Chennaiite with special needs brings to the fore a very important question: what can we, as citizens, do if we spot someone on the street who needs help?

Is the building you are standing in now, fire-safe?

January 24, 2018 Bhavani Prabhakar

The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services has a detailed set of norms that buildings of different types and usage should comply with, in order to ensure fire safety and disaster preparedness. Is Chennai aware?

How to start harvesting rainwater at your home in Chennai

December 12, 2017 Laasya Shekhar

Contrary to what many believe, rainwater harvesting has significant monetary as well as environmental benefits. So if you are still unsure of why and how you should go about it, here’s a quick overview.

How to get your Aadhaar card in Chennai

November 14, 2017 Bhavani Prabhakar

The indispensability of the Aadhaar card is increasingly becoming obvious. If you are one of those who are still confused about where and how to get yours made in Chennai, this is for you.

How to get a new gas connection in Chennai, online and hassle-free

October 12, 2017 Mahesh Kumar S T

A step-by-step guide on how to register for a new gas connection online, and get it in a matter of days without having to run to the agency repeatedly.

The story behind the $180-million industry fuelled by Chennai water crisis

May 17, 2017 Keith Schneider

As the city reels under the stress of unavailability of adequate amounts of clean and safe potable water, Chennai’s water bottlers grow a thriving business.

Learning to live with snakes…in the city!

April 29, 2017 Meenakshi Ramesh

While sudden encounters with snakes are not uncommon in Chennai, few know the right steps to take in these situations. Reptile conservationist Shravan Krishnan has some tips.

They save trees from abuse in their free time, and you can too!

April 25, 2017 News Desk

Through the month of April, volunteers of NGO Nizhal have been freeing trees of advertisement boards and other forms of constriction, thus gifting them a fresh lease of life.

How to tend to your garden during a water-starved summer

April 14, 2017 Alladi Mahadevan

As temperatures soar and water shortage looms large, tips for the Chennaiite on how to maintain the delicate balance between saving water and protecting the plants.

Need an address change on your licence? Be prepared!

March 9, 2017 Lavanya Donthamshetty

A Chennai citizen’s first person account of her experience at the RTO as she queues up to change her residential address on her driving licence.

Upcycling: A citizen’s guide to creatively reducing landfill waste

November 28, 2016 Bhavani Prabhakar

Upcycling — producing creative, high-end products from reusable waste — has found a growing following in the city of late. Bhavani A P captures the trend and provides a primer for the beginner.