Environment | Citizen Matters, Chennai

What you should do if noise pollution bothers you this Deepavali

October 25, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

The noise from uncontrolled use of crackers can truly be a nuisance spoiling your Deepavali. But did you know that there is a law that doesn’t permit continuous cracker bursting or intolerable levels of noise from public events? Stay informed about what you can do to combat the menace of noise pollution.

‘We don’t want any trees in Chennai’

October 24, 2019 Meenakshi Ramesh

No one says we don’t want trees, but it appears that trees have no friends left among the various civic authorities in Chennai, as they go about brutally hacking, cutting and uprooting carefully nurtured trees.

This Diwali, take a couple of minutes to see what noisy celebrations could mean

October 23, 2019 S Shri Raghav

How does noise pollution affect animals and birds? How can we reduce noise pollution and help protect the other species we share the earth with? A ten year old citizen journalist has the answers…and a plea.

Why a women’s entrepreneur zone in Red Hills catchment area is a bad move

October 14, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

There is uncertainty about the construction of a women’s entrepreneur zone at Red hills reservoir. However the primary questions remain unanswered: Why are the officials not speaking up? Why should Chennaites worry about the development?

சென்னையில் அடுத்த மரம் நடும்முன் நீங்கள் அறிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டியவை

October 3, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Afforestation drives are indeed most helpful and essential for ensuring an increase in the city’s green cover. But are we doing it the right way? A translation of our earlier article that told us what we must keep in mind as we take a pledge to plant more trees.

Climate Strike comes to India — three things to keep in mind

September 28, 2019 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

Over the last one week, thousands of Indian students and youth across India, inspired by the Global Climate Strike organised by ‘Fridays for Future’, came together to demand immediate action to mitigate local and global climate risks. What should be the way forward?

Small steps to make your office space greener

September 27, 2019 Surekha Raj

The founder of an HR firm in Chennai describes how she motivates her team to adopt environment-friendly lifestyles and take concrete steps to reduce waste generated at the workplace.

Sustainability needs a people-centric approach; is smart city Chennai geared to that?

September 26, 2019 Varun Sukumar

A city tackling climate change needs to think big and small and involve all stakeholders in the process — policymakers, state and local governments, private entities and citizens. That should be one of the primary goals of the Chennai Smart City programme.

Here’s what you must know before you plant another tree in Chennai

September 25, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

While tree plantation drives are increasingly common across the city, planting non-native, invasive species could cause more harm than good. What should we keep in mind as we take a pledge to add to the city’s green cover?

Not just Villivakkam Lake, apartments and malls too can benefit from our technology: BARC scientist

September 22, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Chennai Corporation has collaborated with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to restore the Villivakkam Lake, using waste water treated through a special technology. We spoke to J Daniel Chellappa, Senior Scientist at BARC, to know more about the plans and the larger implications.

Adyar river restoration: More than Rs 2500 crore sanctioned, but dumping continues

September 12, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Even as the state has sanctioned thousands of crores for restoration of the Adyar river, and the nodal agency CRRT continues its efforts in the face of many challenges, rampant encroachment and illegal disposal of waste leaves the river in poor shape. Will it ever regain its lost glory?

Why water scarcity never ceases to haunt the women of Chennai

September 11, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Intermittent rains in Chennai may have eased the situation but water continues to be a scarce resource. And across the city, regardless of social class, women invariably bear the brunt and are expected to make arrangements to quench the family’s thirst.

Chennai to see 100 women-driven electric autos soon: Yasmeen Jawahar, CEO, Makkal Auto

September 4, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Makkal Auto in Chennai has positioned itself as one of the pioneers in the movement towards electric mobility in the city. We spoke to CEO, Yasmeen Jawahar, to know more about their newly launched electric autos and future plans for the same.

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.

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.

Chennai Buzz: Flood mitigation project | Waste and sewage treatment plans | Cauvery to the rescue

August 5, 2019 News Desk

Waste, water and climate — catch some of the latest and most important headlines on these critical issues that will definitely impact life in the city.

Why CMWSSB’s Dial for Water scheme may not be the right solution for Chennaiites

August 3, 2019 VS Jayaraman

The new scheme launched by Metro Water promising faster delivery through tankers has many loopholes, writes a concerned citizen.

Chennai Buzz: Rain update | Dial for water | Smart card only for metro parking…and more

July 29, 2019 News Desk

What does Met data say about rainfall since June? How will Metro water’s new tanker-on-demand scheme work? What does the latest Madras High Court instruction regarding school bus safety say? Catch these and more in this weekly round up of Chennai news.

Jolted by water shortage, Chitlapakkam RWA takes up roadside rainwater harvesting

July 24, 2019 L Sundararaman

A resident of Chitlapakkam talks about the efforts undertaken by their RWA to save water through the installation of roadside rainwater harvesting pits.

Rivers remember, but why don’t we?

July 19, 2019 Himanshu Upadhyaya

‘Rivers Remember: #ChennaiRains and the Shocking Truth of a Manmade Flood’ by Krupa Ge is a stark pointer towards consequences of ignoring and abusing the rivers and wetlands in our cities, and also the breakdown of the administrative machinery in times of disaster.