Good morning, Chennai!
🌤️ Today’s weather: High: 31 ℃ | Low: 22 ℃ | A misty morning followed by a sunny day.
🧐 Did you know? In 1949, the Indian government wanted the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 for patrolling the border. They ordered 600 Bullet 350s. It enabled the company to set up a manufacturing plant in Madras.
🎭 Manipur performers at Chennai Sangamam
A ritualistic dance is performed to honour the guardian deities for peace and prosperity.
Who are they? The performers from the Meitei Indigenous Thang Ta & Cultural Institute (MITTACI) from Manipur touched down in Chennai for the Sangaman cultural festival. Their dance of the Lai Haraoba honours the Sanamahi gods for peace and prosperity.
- The troupe, comprising 5 men and women, braved the political crisis and violence in Manipur to reach Chennai. The group has been receiving daily updates on what’s happening back in their home state.
- The troupe has instruments like a localised version of a mridangam called pung, a violin, cymbals, and a bamboo flute. The men wear headgear with peacock feathers.
Letting art flourish: While they faced dangers back home, the troupe felt safe once they reached Chennai. They requested the Centre and the state government to restore peace since only then can art flourish.
🪧 Request to bring back ‘Makkalai Thedi Mayor’
Residents want the Chennai Corporation to continue the ‘Makkalai Thedi Mayor’ initiative.
What’s the story so far? The Makkalai Thedi Mayor was a first-of-its-kind initiative where residents could submit their grievances to the Mayor. Since its launch last year, only five meetings were held, and there hasn’t been one since October.
- The five meetings were held in Adyar, Royapuram, Thiru Vi.Ka Nagar, Tiruvottriyur and Ambattur. The Corporation has turned its attention to the ‘Makkaludan Mudhalvar’ scheme.
- While the initiative fell short of expectations, residents want it to continue. At the Corporation’s Makkaludan Mudhalvar camps, residents said they’re unable to raise grievances.
More accountability needed: Civic activists say these outreach initiatives need increased accountability. Deputy Mayor M Maheskumar said the Makkalai Thedi Mayor initiative will be continued in the future.
🚍 Omnibuses from Koyambedu
Private bus operators have asked the government to allow them to operate from the Koyambedu bus terminus.
What’s it about? Two associations of private bus operators have requested the government to allow them to operate from the Koyambedu bus stand. The state transport commissioner stated that all south-bound private buses must operate from the new Kilambakkam bus terminus from January 24.
- Omnibus Operators Association said the government should allow them to operate buses from Koyambedu until the terminus at Varadharajapuram is finished. It’s expected to take several months.
- The state Omnibus Operators Association said it should be allowed to operate buses from Koyambedu till Kilambakkam is connected to the rest of the city.
Why the demand? The Kilambakkam terminus doesn’t have proper connectivity to the rest of Chennai yet. With cab aggregators charging high fees, it becomes expensive for passengers. The best approach, according to operators is to shift operations in phases.
🚌 Overseeing the Kilambakkam terminus
A steering committee has been formed to oversee operations at the new Kilambakkam bus terminus.
What’s it about? The nine-member panel will be chaired by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The decision was made after passengers criticised the new terminus for having limited facilities and amenities.
- Some of the committee’s members include the project director of the National Highways Authority of India, Metropolitan Transport Corporation MD, and the chief engineer of the highways department.
- The committee will decide on the timings and frequency of buses and maintain a pre-paid auto or taxi stand. It’ll also monitor traffic management on GST Road near the terminus and recommend additional facilities.
Legal issues: The terminus was hastily inaugurated amidst concerns about whether a completion certificate was given. The Madras High Court is also hearing a case filed by activist Vaishnavi Jayakumar on the terminus not being disabled-friendly.
📊 Today’s Poll
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Would you like to have a pet at home?
- I would like to have a pet at home.
- I wouldn’t like to have a pet at home.
❓ Today’s Question
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What adventure sport would you give a shot?
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🗞️ In other news…
- A new foot overbridge was built at the Putlur station on the Chennai-Tiruvallur route but with no lift.
- Chennai Book Fair concludes with stalls and publishers increasing their discounts.
- The Chennai Corporation increases garbage collection efforts from parks and burial grounds.
- A city-based trust has moved the Madras High Court demanding the government provide Tambaram residents with safe drinking water.
- CMDA has floated bids for a project to upgrade Kasimedu Beach.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!