Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: Clear and sunny skies ahead.
🧐 Did you know? Chennai’s first Ayurveda hospital was Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Devasthana Dharma Ayurveda Vaidyashala. It was located in the Kothwal Chawadi area of George Town and functioned in the early decades of the 20th century but eventually faded away.
🌉 New flyovers
Chennai will soon have three new flyovers to help ease people’s commutes.
What’s it about? Despite having several flyovers, the city sees frequent traffic congestion. Hopefully, by April, three new flyovers scheduled to open will ease that. The Corporation has asked officials to expedite the work that’s nearing completion.
- The new flyover at Thiru Vi Ka Nagar on Perambur highway will help ease congestion in the area. The work on the ramps is underway.
- The Villivakkam flyover is a two-way flyover near the Villivakkam railway station. It’ll facilitate connectivity between the Kolathur main road and the South ICF road.
Other structures: The T Nagar skywalk will also be opened soon, connecting the T Nagar bus stand with the Mambalam railway station. It’ll have lifts and escalators for pedestrians. There are other flyovers proposed at South Usman Road in T Nagar, Ganesapuram, and Manali Road.
💐 Fresh flowers at your doorstep
Flora Fresco is the city’s first flower subscription service.
What’s it about? Venkatesh wondered why his wife Rashmi wasn’t buying flowers even though she liked them. One of the issues was the unavailability of fresh and clean flowers near their home. Thus, Flora Fresco was born in January, becoming Chennai’s first flower subscription service. Soon came a warehouse in their native Madurai and a team of ten.
- They deliver around 28 varieties of flowers, including different types of roses and marigolds. The pricing is similar to what’s in the market but varies according to the flower.
- The research included studying daily milk deliveries and hoping to replicate that model. The company also minimises plastic use and opts for paper packaging. They use their Instagram page to educate people about the history of the flower they sell.
Journey: The company has 400 subscriptions, and the numbers are increasing daily. They currently cover only OMR and areas in the main parts of the city. As part of their research, they learned how to ship flowers from Madurai to Chennai. They soon set up a website and an app.
🚯 Monitoring waste-dumping hotspots
The corporation has begun monitoring more than 100 waste-dumping hotspots in all zones.
What’s it about? The Corporation has started monitoring 107 waste-dumping hotpots along streets in residential and commercial areas. The civic body will increase the number of bins at these locations to promote public health and cleanliness. 18 hotspots have been identified, including places like NSC Bose Road, Mint Street, Waltax Road, and Link Road.
- A ₹500 fine will be levied on anyone dumping garbage around the bins. Residents and traders have complained about the illegal dumping of waste at several locations.
- The civic body has decided to improve sand sweeping at the locations. Among the places identified are near Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and near the Police Commissioner’s Office.
♻️ Danish Royalty in town
The Danish Crown Prince and Princess arrived to take forward the Green Strategic Partnership.
What’s it about? Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary visited Chennai as part of the Danish government’s strategic program to strengthen trade ties and promote sustainable progress with India. Part of the trip was to flag off the Green Strategic Partnership. They met with the government and other officials on ways to engage in green and sustainable solutions.
- The Danish delegation spoke of solutions and technologies for energy and water to help India become carbon neutral. Both countries will develop an offshore wind strategy.
- The delegation visited IIT Madras Research Park for panel discussions. They also went to Vesta’s factory and toured Danfoss’s production facility in Oragadam. Several Danish projects were announced for the state.
Partnership projects: Danish companies will offer technological solutions to the government to provide clean and safe drinking water to every household. Among the tools expected to be used is groundwater mapping. Denmark has shown how treating wastewater can become an important resource.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you been affected by company layoffs?
- Yes, I have been affected by company layoffs.
- No, I haven’t been affected by company layoffs.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What was the place you and your friends hung out regularly?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Hawkers encroach on NSC Bose Road and North Mada Street despite a court order.
- The CMDA will develop the neighbourhood around the Sholinganallur and LIC Metro stations.
- Atsuya Technologies, a Chennai startup, was recognised with the Great Place to Work title.
- The Kilambakkum bus terminus is being delayed due to ongoing civil work.
- Metro rail work has begun on the Sterling Road junction in Nungambakkam.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have been caught for a traffic violation: 33.3%
- I haven’t been caught for a traffic violation: 66.7% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s your favourite pizza topping?
Vigneshwaran: “I don’t like pizza. It’s not good for health.”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!