Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny weather for the day.
🧐 Did you know? The Government House was one of the first in India. It was originally a garden house bought in 1753 from a Portuguese merchant. It became Raj Bhavan after independence.
🚍 MTC’s woes
Alternate public transport options mean the MTC needs to get additional buses.
What’s it about? The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is not in good shape and hasn’t been for quite some time. Among the issue it’s facing is manpower shortage and lacklustre acquisition of new buses. With the Metro and suburban trains gaining popularity, the MTC should take remedial steps to remain people’s preferred public transport option.
- This starts with new buses. The MTC operates only 2,700 buses a day currently. Experts believe an additional 2,000 are needed. While the MTC does have 3,200 buses, they’re idle due to a shortage of drivers and conductors.
- Overcrowding of MTC buses is a common sight across the city. Over the years, it has led to several accidents that resulted in injuries and deaths. Also, the number of services and routes has reduced, affecting passengers.
Numbers: In 2015-16, an average MTC bus carried about 1,270 passengers per day. Now, the current ridership is just above 1,000 as the MTC operates 629 routes. They cover an average of 272 km a day.
- Transport officials have said the number of non-operational buses has reduced to less than 500 thanks to 550 temporary staff inducted into the service.
🚶 The importance of heritage walks
Heritage walks have thrived as they help preserve the city’s history and identity.
What’s it about? Heritage walks offer unique insights into Chennai’s history and help residents and visitors explore hidden gems and connect with their roots if they’re from here. The growing popularity of heritage walks in Chennai is a testament to its people’s fascination with history.
- Kombi S Anwar, an organiser, covers diverse themes and periods. It ranges from the legacy of the Dravidian movement to ancient temples and mosques. He has led walks down the streets of Triplicane and T Nagar.
- Artist-architect Aafreen Fathima’s student venture has evolved into a new profession with hundreds of participants over the past six years. She has organised 250 walks collaborating with Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai.
Why we walk: Heritage walks are a melting pot with people from diverse age groups and backgrounds. A shared passion for the city’s history brings people together to know more about it and deepen their connection.
🪁 Flying high
Chennai will host the second edition of an international kite festival this month.
What’s it about? The second edition of the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival (TNIKF) will take place at the TTDC Ocean View in Mahabalipuram from August 12 to 15. Organisers expect a bigger event this time based on last year which saw over 50,000 visitors.
- This year’s theme is “Save Marine Life, Save Mother Earth”. The festival will see a lineup of international teams and over 200 kites from eight countries, including Thailand, France, and Singapore.
- The kites will have an aquatic theme decorated with marine life. Some will be shaped like marine animals. Last year’s edition saw many families and kids, and organisers wanted a conservation theme for this year.
Other attractions: There’ll also be a wind garden. A separate and immersive experience with wind chimes and lit-up windmills.
🛰️ GalaxEye satellite launch
IIT-Madras incubated GalaxEye will launch the world’s first multi-sensor satellite.
What’s it about? The space technology startup will launch the world’s first multi-sensor satellite under the name Mission Drishti. Once in orbit, the satellite will revolutionise observation by providing day and night monitoring irrespective of challenging weather conditions.
- The satellite combines two types of sensors – a Synthetic Aperture Sensor (SAR) and optical sensors. SAR isn’t dependent on sunlight and can function at night. The satellite will capture SAR and optical sensor data.
- It’ll help deliver high-resolution images. The rapid data generation capabilities are better and faster than current systems. It represents a quantum leap in Earth observation technology.
Practical use cases: The company has identified several sectors like agriculture, insurance, defence, and intelligence as potential beneficiaries. For example, it could help streamline the insurance claim process.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you flown a kite?
- I have flown a kite.
- I haven’t flown a kite.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s the best place in the city for a heritage walk?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Tomato prices in the city’s retail market reached a record high of ₹200 per kilo.
- The Other Banyan Trees of Madras tells the tale of several lesser-known banyan trees in the city.
- Dr Gurusamy Bridge lacks some basic pedestrian infrastructure.
- East Coast Road residents suffer from digital blackouts due to poor broadband speeds.
- Pallavaram market pictures showcase electronics from the past like cordless phones and reel cameras.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have participated in an official quiz competition: 36.4%
- I haven’t participated in an official quiz competition: 63.6% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What improvements need to be made for the upcoming next phase of the metro?
Chitra: “Elevators/ escalators in all metro stations.”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!