Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny for the day.
🧐 Did you know? British soldiers would dress up and reenact the battle of 1758 when the French attacked Fort St George but lost. This went on till 1946, a year before India’s independence.
⛲ Cleaning up flyovers
The underbellies of the city’s flyovers are in bad shape due to abandoned vehicles and debris.
What’s it about? Chennai has over 40 flyovers of different sizes. However, their underbellies should be cleaned up as they’re home to encroachments, debris and abandoned vehicles. At night, they’re unsafe and hubs of anti-social activities.
- Maintenance at several spots in the city, including Velachery, Koyambedu, and the city’s longest flyover in Medavakkam, has been shoddy. Since there’s no policy to maintain the under-spaces of flyovers, the Corporation allots them to private entities.
- There are plans to allow parking under two-lane flyovers in less congested areas like IIT Madras and LB Road. Under four-lane flyovers, the underpasses could become recreational spots with more greenery.
What should be done? Depending on the locality, the spaces can become recreational or commercial spots. They should be accessible and illuminated with clear entry and exit marking points.
- The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is restoring the underpasses in four flyovers at Vadapalani, Padi, Retteri and Villivakkam.
⚡ Going green
IIT Madras Research Park will convert to 90% renewable energy by the year’s end.
What’s it about? The 1.2 million square feet innovation park will operate in 90% renewable energy using solar roof-top panels, wind energy, and battery storage techniques. This could help save the park ₹4 crore annually, about 30% of its power expenditure.
- The centre currently spends around ₹12.30 per kilowatt hour. The centre has contracted for more solar panels and wind power to reduce the cost to ₹9.8 per kilowatt hour.
- The complex currently runs on 30-40% renewable power. It already has 1 MW rooftop solar power and a chilled water storage system and is in the advanced stages of installing large battery storage systems.
Analysis and research: The centre’s own report, Zero to Green – Buildings for Planet and Profit, stated it can save over ₹32 lakh in power costs by going 90% renewable. It also stated capital costs in setting up the renewable systems will provide a return on investment in 5.5 years.
🚴 Honouring the Mahatma
A group of cyclists honoured Mahatma Gandhi on his birthday with a tribute ride.
What’s it about? To mark the 154th birth anniversary of Gandhi, the We are Chennai Cycling Group (WCCG), in partnership with SAIL NEX, organised the SAIL NEX 154th Gandhi Jayanti Tribute ride.
- The ride had two categories – Determination 154 km and Happiness 50 km. The event’s theme was paying homage to Gandhi and his ideals of a healthy mind and body.
- Determination 154 was to pay tribute to Gandhi’s determination to face endless struggles to help secure India’s independence. The ride began at the Shenoy Nagar metro, through different locations and ended at Anna Nagar.
About WCCG: The group, also known as Chennai Cyclists, is one of the biggest organised cycling groups in the city. It has 4,000 registered cyclists with 19 chapters across Chennai.
🏃 Marathon against drug menace
The Chennai Police’s second Avadi Night Marathon was organised for a Drug-Free Tamil Nadu.
What’s it about? The second Avadi Night Marathon was organised, with over 4,700 people participating. The initiative was launched last year by Chief Minister MK Stalin to help promote a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
- As part of the initiative, the police have conducted several awareness drives. The night marathon was organised by the Chennai Police and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).
- The marathon was held under three categories, with medals, cash rewards, and certificates for the winners. There aren’t many night marathons in the city, and this one began at 6 pm in Avadi.
Who participated? The participants included students from schools and colleges and members of the public. The event also saw professional runners participate.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Should Chennai have an app for auto rides similar to Bengaluru’s Namma Yatri app?
- Chennai should have its own Namma Yatri app.
- Chennai doesn’t need its own Namma Yatri app.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What would a movie about Chennai be called?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Vande Bharat trains at the Central station get cleaned in record time.
- Turtle trafficking in the city has taken off as Chennai becomes a hub.
- Anna University will offer a new certificate course on patent essentials.
- Chennai’s Aarathy Kasturiraj won the bronze medal in the speed skating 3000 m relay at the Asian Games.
- Chennai Central Station has been awarded the platinum shield for its green initiatives.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have been in an hours-long traffic jam in the city: 66.7% 🏆
- I haven’t been in an hours-long traffic jam in the city: 33.3%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Which part of the city do you think has the worst traffic?
Meghna: “Adayar bridge and Vadapalani”
Nirja: “Thoraipakkam OMR”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!