Society | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Photos: Exploring Chennai’s forgotten heritage in Chintadripet

February 25, 2020 Mahesh V

An early morning walk conducted by Madras Inherited through Chintadripet unveiled its history and the forgotten treasures of this heritage neighbourhood. A photo essay

Kannagi Nagar all set to become Chennai’s walk-in art gallery, open to all!

February 21, 2020 Mahesh V

Chennai’s Kannagi Nagar district is all set to be transformed into the city’s first art district. The Corporation has invited St+Art India, a not-for-profit organisation, to turn the place into a thriving public place that brings art and artists closer to all.

Teens the most vulnerable to drug addiction in Chennai: A Bruno, Zonal Director, NCB

February 19, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

An exclusive interview with A Bruno, Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau, where he talks about the drug menace in Chennai and how to keep the vulnerable away from its grip.

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.

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.

Looking back at 2019 – our favourite stories and more!

December 31, 2019 Meenakshi Ramesh

In a year where we published 280 stories on a variety of themes that shape life in Chennai, here is a look back at our favourite stories and a roundup of the year for Citizen Matters Chennai.

Photos: Can you guess what these sculptures have been made from?

December 21, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Tonnes of metal waste are being converted into beautiful pieces of art at the Government ITI, Guindy and Adyar zone of Chennai Corporation. These could also pave the way towards realisation of Chennai’s zero-waste goal.

Let’s go to Spring Potato beach; sorry, we mean Besant Nagar beach

December 8, 2019 Mahesh V

Besant Nagar beach is unrecognisable to old timers, thanks to over a hundred Spring Potato shops. What do they sell? Do they get any customers? Don’t they need permission to operate in a public space? What’s it doing to the beach? Many questions, few answers..

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.

15000 calls to women’s helpline since launch of Amma Patrol: DCP H Jayalakshmi

November 27, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

The Amma Patrol is part of the Tamil Nadu government’s initiative that saw the formation of the Crime against Women and Children (CWC) wing in June 2019. We spoke to the Deputy Commissioner, CWC wing, to find out how the patrol service works.

குப்பையான பாதையை மைதானமாக மாற்றிய கோட்டூர்புரம் குழந்தைகள்

November 22, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

A Tamil translation of our story describing the wonderful initiative of kids and youngsters at the Kotturpuram Housing Board, who transformed a littered pathway into a clean, colourful space for the community.

How to turn a littered pathway into a playground: Kotturpuram children create an example

November 18, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

A week ago, the passageway near Block H of Kotturpuram Housing Board resembled a mini dump yard with bags full of domestic waste strewn all around. Today, it is a clean, colourful space, buzzing with kids and youngsters who have actually led this transformation.

Parrots in Chennai? This man knows thousands of them…

November 14, 2019 Lata Ramaseshan

Meet the indefatigable Sekar, the birdman of Chennai, who feeds thousands of parrots on his rooftop. The birds keep their appointment with him every single day!

World’s first Indo-Saracenic building, right here in Chennai, set to regain old glory

November 7, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Constructed by Nawab Muhammad Ali Wallajah in 1768, Humayun Mahal is said to be the first construction in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. After years of neglect, this block of the Chepauk Palace is all set to be restored. Here’s more about the ongoing work.

A bangle for a dream: A tale of uncertain futures along the Buckingham canal

October 29, 2019 Sukriti Vats

A group of residents along the Buckingham Canal in R A Puram live under the imminent threat of eviction, worried about the loss of livelihood and the homes they have built over decades of hard work.

In photos: A walk through the once-bustling, now deserted Moore market

October 22, 2019 Mahesh V

Moore Market was once a thriving book bazaar, particularly famous for second-hand books and frequented by large numbers of students. But a couple of hours in the market on a Monday morning shows how business has collapsed, thanks to the popularity of online bookstores.

When and how can you make withdrawals from your provident fund contribution

October 11, 2019 Shravana Deepan J R

What are the procedures to be followed and conditions to be met to make withdrawals from your PF account?

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.