Good morning, Chennai!
⛅ Today’s weather: Sunny weather with some cloud cover.
🧐 Did you know? Chennai is home to India’s first modern astronomical observatory. East India Company officer William Petrie set it up with his own instruments at his Egmore residence in 1786.
🏗️ Reviewing North Chennai’s projects
Minister PK Sekarbabu began his review of projects announced for North Chennai.
What’s it about? North Chennai has traditionally been left out of the development loop due to heavy congestion and pollution. 50 projects were announced for the region at the recent Assembly session by Minister PK Sekarbabu with an allocation of ₹1,000 crore.
- Among the work being done is modernising MTC bus stands, renovating playgrounds and parks, and new buildings in corporation schools. The minister inspected work on the Kolathur Paper Mills Road marketplace which will become a new modern market.
- There’ll be new fish and meat shops with new facilities at the Ennore market. There’ll also be a new community hall. The 5-km stretch from Parvathi Nagar to Kasimedu will be beautified.
Bigger plans: The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) wants to develop Minjur into a satellite town to help economically weaker sections and the lower middle-class residents of the area.
🐾 Helping strays stay cool
As temperatures begin to soar, people are doing their bit to help stray animals stay cool.
What’s it about? Individuals and NGOs are helping stray animals beat the heat this summer. Several organisations have begun distributing water bowls to resident colonies and localities.
- The Blue Cross of Indian Water Bowl Project has distributed over 700 bowls made by local potters. The Save Shakti Foundation has distributed 2,000 bowls and has worked with animal rescuers and activists.
- The Rotary Club of Chennai has offered bowls to provide water for birds and animals. They’re placed outside apartment complexes in T Nagar, Ashok Nagar, and West Mambalam by volunteers.
Taking care: Strays often drink from drain pipes and other contaminated outlets. The bowls should have fresh water and be placed under the shade to ensure moss formation is reduced.
🎭 Bringing the arts to children
Kids from disadvantaged backgrounds are exposed to art thanks to the NalandaWay Foundation.
What’s it about? Art Vandi is an initiative by the NalandaWay Foundation that brings diverse art experiences to kids from disadvantaged backgrounds. Its members travel in the vandi (the van) across schools, bringing music, art, and theatre.
- Most schools in rural districts don’t have access to art facilities and teachers. The only way to expose kids is to bring it to them. The Vandi was envisioned as a mobile stage and screening space.
- The focus is on kids between the 1st and 8th standards. The workshops are week-long, with the highlight being storybooks written and illustrated by children. The week ends with an art carnival for the community.
Necessity: For many of the kids the Foundation reaches, art becomes a form of therapy. The conditions they live in can affect their development as adults. Showcasing art, music, and theatre is also a way for artists to use their talents for good.
🍾 Alcohol vending machine
Chennai now has South India’s first alcohol vending machine.
What’s it about? VR Mall in Anna Nagar now has an alcohol vending machine, making it South India’s first. They’ve been installed by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Ltd. (TASMAC) at its elite shop.
- This is a pilot initiative to gauge the responses of customers and see if it can be replicated elsewhere. Buying from this machine is easy as people can opt for online payment or cash.
- It’s a way for people to not pay more for their liquor. Overcharging has been an issue at liquor shops with many charging above the maximum retail price (MRP).
Concerns: The vending machines will have salespeople near them to ensure kids can’t use them. People can use it only under the supervision of the managers or employees.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Did you complete your college education in the city?
- Yes, I completed my college education in the city.
- No, I didn’t complete my college education in the city.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s the biggest misconception you think others have of the city?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Temperatures in Chennai might increase to 41-42 degree Celsius next week.
- Nibav Home Lifts, the Chennai-based home lift brand, has expanded with a new facility in Akkarai.
- BCom and engineering seats are hard to get with a high number of centum scorers.
- Traffic diversions have been announced near Chepauk on IPL match days.
- Mayor Shivashanmugam Street residents have complained that open land has been used for garbage disposal leading to health issues.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have attended the annual Chennai Music Season: 25.0%
- I haven’t attended the annual Chennai Music Season: 75.0% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s your favourite historical/heritage site or building in the city?
Chitra: “Ripon Building”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!