Good morning, Chennai! Wish you a happy Holi! The newsletter won’t be sent tomorrow as the team is taking a break today. We will see you on Friday.
☀️ Today’s weather: Clear and sunny skies for the day.
🧐 Did you know? The Prarthana Drive-In Theatre is believed to be South India’s first such facility, beginning operations in 1991. It was the brainchild of Dr N Devanathan, who wanted people to have the experience of watching a movie under the open sky.
🧾 Increased property tax collections
The Corporation saw a 150% increase in property tax collections compared to last year.
What’s it about? Compared to last year, there has been a 150% increase in property tax collection by the Corporation. The collection per day is expected to increase by the end of this month when the deadline ends.
- A manpower shortage at the Revenue department has hampered the Corporation’s efforts in collecting property tax. Assessees were paying only when tax collectors reminded them of their dues on the phone.
- Due to recent attacks on Corporation employees during their tax collection drive, the civic body is seeking alternatives. They’ve resorted to sending letters to each assessee.
Numbers: Between April 1, 2022, and March 6, 2023, ₹1,331 crore has been collected as property tax. Last year, the amount was ₹643 crore. This year alone, from March 1 to 6, the Corporation has collected ₹23.87 crore.
✈️ New terminal’s trial run
The airport’s new integrated terminal will undergo a trial run by the end of this month.
What’s it about? Passengers eagerly waiting for the opening of the new integrated terminal with better facilities and infrastructure got some good news. The terminal’s trial run will happen later this month, boosting hopes that it’ll be opened for operations soon.
- The first step in the trial run will be testing the baggage handling system. Battelle Solutions will undertake this task to check its safety and security parameters.
- Staff will carry out all activities involved in passenger operations which will be operational when the trials begin. One part of the terminal will be opened next month.
Out with the old: Initially, the new terminal will handle international operations. The old international terminal will be demolished to make way for the remainder of the new integrated terminal.
🚇 Data consumption by metro riders
Lakhs of metro passengers have consumed more than 62,000 GB of data.
What’s it about? Thanks to Sugarbox Networks, metro passengers can access digital entertainment services while commuting on the metro. From February 2022 to 2023, more than 2.5 lakh passengers consumed 62,000 GB of data. SugarBox partnered with the Chennai Metro in 2020 and has services with metro networks in other cities.
- This network works only inside the train and is available in all 52 stations. Users don’t need to use their network data for browsing.
- Since there’s no data cost to access the content on Sugarbox, most users prefer the network to browse. Sugarbox employees are present at the stations to inform people about the service.
Incentive for employees: A full-time Sugarbox staff member has a target of 80 passengers a day and is paid between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 every month. For part-time staff, the target is 40 and they’re paid a maximum of ₹7,000.
🐦 Storks’ attraction to a factory
Painted storks flock to the TVS factory, home to several species of birds.
What’s it about? In the vast wooded area of the TVS Motor Factory in Hosur, several species of birds flock here year round. For more than two decades, the site has become the home to painted storks for six months out of the year. Something similar happened decades ago at the Simpson Group manufacturing plant in Sembiam that became home to herons.
- The 300-plus acre TVS factory is home to 128 species of territorial and migratory birds and several other species of lizards, snakes, and mammals. It’s conducive to animals since it has more than 50,000 trees and 75 species of plants and shrubs.
- Painted storks have a good memory. They return to a spot if it’s good for breeding. Painted storks are attracted to shallow freshwater wetlands and marshy areas.
Who said what? P Venkatesan of TVS Motors said the parents leave by May, and the chicks return to their homes in North India by July. M Balachandran of Bombay Natural History (BNH) said the chicks require a lot of water, so they flock to areas with water bodies.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Would you ever participate in a marathon?
- Yes, I would participate in a marathon.
- No, I would never participate in a marathon.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your preferred mode of public transportation?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Land acquisition for MRTS expansion has stalled, with the government considering alternatives.
- A Namma Chennai app complaint landed a resident in trouble after he was summoned by the police.
- IIT Madras launched a 4-year BS in electronic systems online degree.
- 1,000 residents participated in the Save the Child marathon to raise awareness about infant mortality.
- The State Forest Department has begun planting mangroves to reclaim the Kovalam creek.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have tried go-karting: 41.7%
- I haven’t tried go-karting: 58.3% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s the best ice cream topping?
Shyju: “Chocolate syrup and chips”
Vignesh: “Jelly”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!