Governance | Citizen Matters, Chennai

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.

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.

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).

Here’s what you can exchange at Chennai Corporation’s reduce and reuse swap sale

January 11, 2020 News Desk

The ‘Reduce and Reuse Swap Sale’, to take place in Besant Nagar, will give residents an opportunity to give away or exchange gently-used items, while cutting down on waste and helping those in need. Find more details about the event here.

The balancing act Chennai must perform to become truly ‘smart’

January 7, 2020 Varun Sukumar

Infrastructure may be the most tangible manifestation of growth in an urban centre, but smart development has to integrate various components — sustainability, quality of services, employment, land use etc — to make a true impact on the life of the citizen.

The slow killing of Korattur Lake: Can it be reversed?

January 3, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Water crisis is not in the news now. But in two months, fifty thousand houses surrounding Korattur lake are likely to be struggling for water because the lake is polluted yet again, and the concerned authorities do not seem to be looking at long term solutions seriously.

விளக்கம்: குடியுரிமை திருத்த சட்டத்துடன் குடிமக்களின் தேசிய பதிவையும் இணைத்து பார்க்க வேண்டுமா?

December 23, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

What is the Citizenship Amendment Act? Should it be viewed in conjunction with the NRC? Are the two related at all? Read this Tamil translation of our article to find out what this issue is all about.

Chennai seeks space for dissent amid restrictions on anti-CAA protests

December 21, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

A pro-CAA rally was allowed at the same venue where those opposing the law were denied permission to protest. This raises legitimate concerns over the increasing tendency to muffle voices of dissent in the city.

உள்ளாட்சி அமைப்புகளுக்கு ஒம்பட்ஸ்மேன் தேவை: கோரிக்கையை வலியுறுத்தும் தன்னார்வ கூட்டமைப்பு

December 11, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

A coalition of civil society organisations has released a manifesto calling for reforms in urban and rural local bodies. Read all about their demands in a translation of our earlier article in Tamil.

We get 200 complaints every day on the Namma Chennai mobile app: P N Sridhar, RDC Central

December 11, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

The central region of the Greater Chennai Corporation is diverse, with underdeveloped Ayanavaram as well as ‘smart’ T Nagar. We spoke to the Regional Deputy Commissioner here to understand the primary issues in the region and how the civic authorities are addressing these.

Have an Ombudsman for local bodies, say citizens in their manifesto ahead of civic polls

December 10, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

With local body elections approaching, a coalition of civil society organisations has released a manifesto demanding various reforms in the local governance infrastructure of the state.

How building violations lead to gridlocks on GST Road

December 9, 2019 S David Manohar

RTI responses point to rampant, unregulated commercialisation on GST Road. What is often missed is the link between such commercial construction and the growing, chaotic traffic on this important national highway.

அம்மா ரோந்து வாகனங்கள்: பெண்கள் உதவிமையத்திற்கு 15000 அழைப்புகள்-துணை ஆணையர் ஜெயலஷ்மி தகவல்

December 6, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Here’s a Tamil translation of the interview with H Jayalakshmi, DCP of the Crime against Women and Children (CWC) wing, in which she talks about how the Amma Patrol service is making the city safer for women and children.

How government schemes can help domestic workers

December 5, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Every domestic worker in our state is entitled to certain benefits under a handful of government schemes. Unfortunately, neither the workers nor their employers are aware of these. Here is an explainer.

Fishermen contest charges of encroachment in Thiruvanmiyur

December 3, 2019 Sukriti Vats

Recent construction of some shanties and a road for better access and mobility by the fishing community has been labelled as encroachment after complaints from residents in nearby locations. However, the community rebuts charges and enjoys the support of environmental activists.