Good morning, Chennai!
🌥️ Today’s weather: High: 31 ℃ | Low: 25 ℃ | Mostly cloudy for the day.
🧐 Did you know? The Goschen Library in Chintadripet is named after Lady Goschen, the wife of the then Governor of Madras, Lord Goschen.
🏗️ City’s changing skyline
Chennai’s skyline is slowly changing, with several large high-rise projects in the offering.
What’s it about? The city has usually been known for its low-rise residences. However, that’s unlikely to be the case anymore. Several high-rise projects are planned, some 30-40 floors tall. Changes in the Floor Space Index (FSI) regulations have helped facilitate this.
- The demand for housing is growing with a housing shortage and the higher cost of living. To maximise urban space, developers look to high-rise projects to expand vertically rather than outwards.
- High-rises offer better access to natural sunlight, improved ventilation, and offers panoramic views. The expansion of the metro rail is seen as a catalyst for this urban transformation.
Evolution: Before 2010, high-rises in Chennai usually ranged from 14 to 18 floors. There was a shift between 2010 and 2018 when buildings exceeded 20 floors. Post-2019, Chennai has embraced true skyscrapers with 40-floor high-rises.
🤝 Celebrating India-Thailand ties
The National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand event celebrated the enduring ties between India and Thailand.
What’s it about? The event was held in honour of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s birthday. It commemorated ties between India and Thailand. The event featured cultural events, presentations, and a showcase of Thai cuisine for the guests and attendees.
- Tamil Nadu’s Minister for IT and Digital Services, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, was the chief guest who spoke of the state’s growing ties with Thailand.
- The event marked the growing relationship between Tamil Nadu and India based on mutual respect, a shared culture, and economic partnerships.
History: This year marked 77 years of diplomatic relations as the bond dates back over 2,000 years from the era of Ashoka and the Chola kings.
🚍 New bus stand
The Kuthambakkam bus stand is expected to be completed by March 2025.
What’s it about? The state government announced that the Kuthambakkam bus stand near Thirumazhisai will be completed by March 2025 and will cater to buses travelling west from Chennai.
- The new terminus is being built for ₹427 crore, with capacity for over 200 buses. The new facility will have modern amenities like AC lounges, a food court, omni bus bays, and parking for 1,700 two-wheelers. Residents want the government to extend the metro service from Poonamallee to Thirumazhisai for better last-mile connectivity.
- In the first phase, buses operating from Bengaluru, Dharmapuri, and the northern parts of the state will be shifted here. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) will use the facility to park unused government vehicles.
Koyambedu redevelopment: Once this new bus stand is fully operational, the Koyambedu bus stand will slowly begin winding down operations. The area will be redeveloped with residential buildings, IT companies, and a sports stadium.
🛣️ Kolathur waterlogging
Following a respite from heavy rains, streets in Kolathur continue to face waterlogging.
What’s it about? The conditions of several roads in the locality have deteriorated due to rain and waterlogging. While residents have raised concerns, local body authorities haven’t taken any action yet.
- The rainwater stagnation has turned areas into breeding grounds for mosquitos, with an increase in vector-borne diseases. They’ve become a health hazard for residents.
- Even though some roads are repaired, stagnation damages them further, and potholes appear. Temporary solutions like in the past haven’t worked out.
Response: The Chennai Corporation has assured residents that it will inspect and repair the damaged roads.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Carnatic music lovers can enjoy a live concert this Sunday.
- Taylor Swift fans can celebrate her music at The Tortured Poets Party this Sunday.
- Fun, laughter, and joy await at the International Clown Festival this weekend.
- Foodies can indulge in Chef Shaun Kenworthy’s British Bounty this weekend.
- Celebrate indie artists at the Only Originals (An Indie Musical Treat), this Saturday.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I prefer watching team sports: 85.7% 🏆
- I prefer watching individual sports: 14.3%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s the most unusual or surprising thing you’ve ever eaten?
Suchi: “Squid”
Shiva: “Mangosteen”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!