Good morning, Chennai!
⛅ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny with some cloud cover.
🧐 Did you know? The Madras Polo and Riding Club popularised Polo in the 1960s. It’s the only club in the city still affiliated with the Indian Polo Association.
🏖️ New beach near Kasimedu?
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is considering the stretch between Kasimedu and Thiruvottiyur Bharti Nagar for a new beach.
What’s it about? Chennai could get another beach getaway near Kasimedu. A planner from the CMDA will visit the chosen spot for a feasibility study. If it goes through, north Chennai could see a change. Residents want a scientific study since the entire stretch can’t be developed.
- The idea is to create something like Marina Beach with several amenities like resting spots, an open gym, and a kid’s play area. People can use it for their daily walks and jogging.
- A resident JJ Ebenezer made the request to officials since residents feel the proposed stretch hasn’t been properly used. Chennai already has three main beaches – Marina, Elliots, and Thiruvanmiyur.
Who said what? Social activist R Bopalan said experts from IIT Madras and other institutions should conduct a detailed study. AVS Marimuthu of the North Chennai People Rights Foundation welcomed the move but said the entire stretch couldn’t be developed since groynes present along the stretch help prevent erosion.
🏙️ Budget to develop North Chennai
The state government will invest ₹1,000 crores over the next three years for the North Chennai development scheme.
What’s it about? Dubbed “Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam”, the scheme is a part of the government’s move for balanced and equitable development. Despite being one of India’s fastest-growing cities, there are pockets, particularly in North Chennai, that are underdeveloped.
- A four-lane flyover on Anna Salai from Teynampet to Saidapet will be built to ease traffic congestion in major junctions. Long-term flood mitigation work will be undertaken in several districts.
- The government’s commitment to the Singara Chennai scheme is to restore the Adyar and Cooum rivers. The first phase will be to clean the Adyar river and prevent sewage from entering it.
Other projects: The CMDA will undertake efforts to create public spaces. This includes developing 30 acres on Island Grounds with modern facilities like an Urban Plaza, exhibition pavillions, and an open-air theatre with food courts.
📽️ 3D show at National Gallery
The National Art Gallery in Egmore will have 3D mapping show technology.
What’s it about? For the first time, 3D mapping technology will be used at the Egmore gallery to showcase the culture and history of Tamil Nadu. It’s an initiative by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and will be operational in six months.
- Heritage temples, places, and forts will be showcased in a 20-minute multimedia presentation in Tamil and English. It’ll have dramatised dialogue, a background score, and special effects.
- There’ll also be animation with 2D effects on the 3D-mapped things. The 3D mapping technology will be developed either by the government or a private agency.
Reasoning: An official from the Tourism department said using 3D technology will help spread the state’s cultural and historical heritage to tourists and preserve it for the next generation.
🏞️ SIPCOT water bodies development
Water bodies in the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) industrial parks will be rejuvenated to improve the groundwater table and increase green spaces.
What’s it about? 92 water bodies in 19 industrial parks will be developed for ₹100 crores. One million saplings will also be planted to enhance the region’s biodiversity, increase their water capacity, and recharge the groundwater. SIPCOT is integral to the city and state’s economy, with 56 IT companies employing nearly 25,000 people.
- The Navalur park will be open next January with walking and cycling tracks, restaurants, and a bird-watching centre. Water bodies in 18 other industrial parks covering more than 1,100 acres will be developed.
- Several water bodies have deteriorated over the years. They have a combined capacity of 6 million cubic metres. 5.6 lakh saplings have been planted in the open space reserve of SIPCOT industrial parks.
Who said what? One SIPCOT official said desilting would help increase the capacity by 10-15%. Hydrogeologist J Saravanan said local bodies should ensure the water bodies are well maintained. Industries secretary S Krishnan said the blue-green initiative for SIPCOT will help reduce the carbon footprint.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you ever ridden a horse?
- Yes, I have ridden a horse.
- No, I haven’t ridden a horse.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What was your favourite theme park experience?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Corporation authorities struggle to keep up with the increased demand for the sterilisation of dogs.
- Despite full reservoirs, poor water tank connections could mean the city faces a water shortage.
- BTS merchandise can be bought in India with its flagship store in Chennai.
- Illegal sewage connections to stormwater drains persist in commercial hubs like Anna Nagar and T Nagar.
- Saveetha Dental College now has the distinction of being the highest-publishing dental institution in the world.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I know how to play chess: 66.7% 🏆
- I don’t know how to play chess: 33.3%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Given a chance, which sport would you pursue professionally?
Nirja: “Badminton”
Prakash: “Shuttle badminton”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!