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Centres to recycle
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Good morning, Chennai!

☀️ Today’s weather: Expect high temperatures.

🧐 Did you know? The Buckingham Canal gets its name from then-Madras Governor Lord Buckingham. During the Madras famine around 1876, he promised people to feed them. In return, he wanted them to dig a canal to join the South Canal and the Cooum.


♻️ Recycling centres

(Image credits: Greater Chennai Corporation’s Twitter post)

The Corporation has plans to set up Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Centres for people to hand over recyclable waste.

What’s it about? Part of the Corporation’s goal of “Zero Waste Chennai” is these RRR centres for people to hand over their recyclable waste. They’ll be sent to the centres where people who need them can collect them. The Corporation wants to ensure there’s minimum garbage dumped at landfills.

  • Under the “My Life My Clean City” initiative, the Corporation will collect old clothes, books, toys, glass, and plastic items. The dry waste will be recycled and reused.
  • Residents will be able to access the RRR centres through the divisional offices. Officials have urged people to even provide usable e-waste.

Feedback: While residents are happy with the new initiative, they said it shouldn’t be a one-time thing. The collection drive should be given more publicity.


🚇 Metro WhatsApp ticket sales

(Image credits: Karix’s Twitter post)

Ticket sales through WhatsApp have crossed 10,000, with some facing payment issues.

What’s it about? In the week since the service was launched, 10,000 passengers have bought tickets via WhatsApp. In the wake of the Bengaluru Metro’s initiative, passengers can send a message on WhatsApp to get tickets.

  • According to Chennai Metro officials, 2.5 lakh people use the Metro a day, and an average of 1,500 use the WhatsApp facility daily. Currently, it’s predominantly first-time travellers who take the bus or train.
  • Some people did face payment issues, but officials said they are currently looking into it. Most travellers use the QR-coded ticketing system, which fetches them a 20% discount.

Future plans: Chennai Metro will set up kiosks in current and upcoming phase 2 stations. The phase 1 extension stations will also have kiosks to help people quickly generate tickets.


🌊 Natural waterway encroached upon

A waterway in Porur has been converted into residential layouts that could’ve prevented flooding.

Whats’s it about? A natural water channel near Porur has supposedly been converted into residential layouts, according to residents and activists. Per a petition submitted by civic activist Senthil, a waterway in survey numbers 77 and 81 at the Iyyapanthangal revenue village remains isolated.

  • The water channel is in bits and pieces since the adjoining lands have been developed as residences. Per the revenue records, a promoter has developed a layout.
  • According to some residents, the area gets inundated every monsoon since there’s no proper outlet for rainwater to drain into nearby water bodies.

Solution: Residents have long been demanding the village panchayat be merged with the Greater Chennai Corporation to ensure they don’t face any water issues. If the waterway is restored, it’ll help reduce flooding in the area.


🎶 Bringing song and cheer

The band Showstoppers travels the city, bringing cheer to shelters, old age homes, and orphanages.

What’s it about? 54-year-old Captain R Venkataraman is a maritime trainer during the week and a DJ for the elderly on weekends. In 2017, he formed Showstoppers, travelling the city and playing Tamil hits from the 1950s to the 90s at old age homes, homeless shelters, and orphanages.

  • The band has over 100 people from across India. Those who are from outside Chennai travel here based on their availability and perform with the group.
  • Their first gig was at the Anandam old age home, where one of the band member’s aunts lived. Venkataraman recalls the residents nodding and tapping their feet to the music and later receiving their blessings.

Journey: With no formal music training, Venkataraman learned by observing musicians. He won prizes in music competitions and later joined a band. Family commitments meant music took a back seat for decades. Thanks to Smule, the music collaboration app, he connected with other musicians across India.


📊 Today’s Poll

(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)

Are you a fan of Chennai Super Kings?

  • Yes, I am a fan of Chennai Super Kings.
  • No, I am not a fan of Chennai Super Kings.

❓ Today’s Question

(Only subscribers can submit their answers)

What’s your favourite place to get desserts in the city?

Reply to this email with your answers.


🗞️ In other news…

  • 139 schools in the added areas will be redeveloped by the Chennai Corporation.
  • Traffic diversions at Marina have been announced for weekends and holidays.
  • Differently abled persons were shortlisted thanks to a job fair organised by the NGO We Are Your Voice.
  • Justice SV Gangapurwala was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
  • Dr Lalitha Balakrishnan, principal of MOP Vaishnav College for women, was facilitated on her retirement.

That’s it for today. Have a great day!

Chennai news in just 5 minutes

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