Good morning, Chennai!
⛅ Today’s weather: Generally cloudy and sometimes sunny.
🧐 Did you know? The Madras School of Art is the oldest surviving colonial art school. It was established by Scottish surgeon Alexander Hunter in 1850.
🏳️🌈 Chennai marches for Pride
The 15th edition of the Chennai Pride March saw thousands march for equality and acceptance.
What happened? The 15th Chennai Rainbow Self Respect Pride March organised by the Tamil Nadu Rainbow Coalition took place as over 5,000 people walked carrying banners and rainbow flags. It was a welcome sight of increased attendance for those who marched since its inception in 2014.
- Families and allies marched with more kids and parents marching this year. Independent filmmaker and LGBTQIA+ activist Malini Jeevarathnam said the increased numbers this year were thanks to the current generation being more accepting.
- Among those in attendance was the sitting judge of the High Court of Madras, Justice N Anand Venkatesh. He declared his support to the community.
🚮 Waste management privatisation
Does privatising waste management help localities and residents?
What’s it about? With the Chennai Corporation looking to increase the number of zones where waste management is privatised, does the initiative actually have an impact on residents? Waste management in several zones has been handed over to Ramky Enviro in north Chennai and Urbaser in the south.
- In Thiruvottiyur, corporation workers were irregular, while those from the private agency are on time. Concerning overall cleanliness, there isn’t much difference, and it’s easier for residents to lodge complaints with the Corporation.
- The decision to privatise was done since most people trust private entities to do the work. The Corporation and private players have similar collection targets for their workers.
Working conditions: Some who work at Ramky alleged those who got along with supervisors weren’t burdened. Otherwise, people needed to manage their share. Many employees have quit citing stressful working conditions. If their collection targets aren’t fulfilled, they’ll be placed in the underperforming category.
🏍️ Underage riders
Juvenile motorists are a risk to pedestrians and others with cases of deaths and injuries reported.
What’s it about? 81-year-old retired Doordarshan employee Bijayagopal had to incur ₹25 lakh as medical expenses for injuries sustained after being hit by a bike ridden by a 15-year-old. In the city, underage drivers have caused five fatalities and 20 cases of grievous injuries this year.
- Juvenile riders are often influenced by videos on social media and succumb to peer pressure. Cases go unnoticed since it needs physical inspection by the traffic police. Driving any vehicle, even an electric one, without a license is an offence.
- Despite warnings, school kids continue to ride vehicles to travel to their tuitions and other places. Others take bikes and race them on some stretches.
What’s being done? Traffic personnel often participate in parent-teacher meetings in schools to educate them on the dangers of underage driving. They also study social media to keep track of videos of youngsters driving rashly or trying stunts on the roads. Some school students themselves voluntarily regulate traffic outside their school to spread awareness.
🎶 Circle of Love festival
The music festival returns to Chennai for its second edition.
What’s it about? The Circle of Love festival is coming back to Chennai to celebrate music and artists. This festival is not just about music. Attendees can also feast on scrumptious food.
- More than 30 artists have been invited to perform across three stages at the venue. There’ll be plenty of upbeat music to keep you dancing and space to play games.
- South India-based Circle of Love is a music community platform that aims to bring new experiences in music, culture, and entertainment. They also work as record labels and live music curators.
Details: The festival will take place on July 22nd at Green Meadows on East Coast Road (ECR). Tickets go on sale today.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you seen a film/TV shoot happen in the city?
- I have seen a film/TV shoot happen in the city.
- I haven’t seen a film/TV shoot happen in the city.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your favourite piece of trivia about the city?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Tondiarpet will get a new sponge park to improve its groundwater recharge.
- Repeated complaints from several residents demand better maintenance of the East Tambaram Lake.
- Sample the city’s best spots for ice cream.
- G Square launched G Square Aurora, its new residential project in OMR.
- Chennai Corporation organised a career guidance programme for students.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have used the Chennai Smart Bike facility: 25.0%
- I haven’t used the Chennai Smart Bike facility: 75.0% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
If you were to write a book about the city, what would be its title?
Chitra: “Madras to Chennai – Always The Best.”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!