Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 01 Aug 2011 08:57:37 AM IST
CHENNAI: Armed with a long list of requests and grievances, the unit holders of Ambattur Industrial Estate held an interaction with Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (TANSIDCO) Limited Chairman, Mohan Pyare.
The meeting was organised by Chennai Auto Ancillary Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Company (CAAIIUC), ahead of the inauguration of completed infrastructure upgradation works, including a sewage treatment plant, a model road and a pay and use toilet. Officials from Ambattur Municipality and Public Works Dept (PWD) were also present.
Director of CAAIIUC, V Raju, said one of the major problems they faced was that of handling waste. Transforming the estate into a zero-waste zone as desired by R Ramasubbu, District Environmental Engineer (DEE), was an uphill task. He said, “This estate is nearly 50 years old. Giving us the examples of MEPZ, which is a smaller and more planned area, and expecting us to implement the same idea here is difficult.”
The DEE had suggested that the Ambattur estate lay pipelines and get their effluent treated to be reused in their respective factories. This was discussed in a previous interaction held in May this year. It faced heavy opposition at that point, and the unit holders continue to request that this plan be scrapped.
Ramasubbu said, “You can use the treated water for greenery and toilet purposes. Do not dump it in the Korattur Lake.” But the members are not convinced, and insist that workers would be unwilling to use such water, not to mention the cost involved in transporting water to and from the treatment plant.
Former presidents of the CAAIIUC gave their suggestions regarding disposal of the treated water. Pyare said that a decision could not be reached immediately, but the issue would be looked into with adequate inputs from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
Other major items on the agenda were the building of a common effluent treatment plant, which the North and South Phase industries could use. Pyare said, “If it is a viable solution according to the TNPCB, we will take this up immediately.” He also said that he would look into building a common testing facility, which was in the original layout, but was never built. This would help in the calibration of equipment.
The Ambattur Municipal Commissioner faced some tough questions, as the forum asked why the Municipality was not doing its basic function when all the industries were paying their property taxes and all other dues on time. Being new to the post, he promised to ensure that the garbage was cleared on time and that liquid waste from factories would not be dumped into storm water drains. “Anyone found dumping waste illegally will be warned the first time. If found violating again, the vehicle will be seized,” he said.
Other issues on the table included the ownership of unoccupied land, encroachers and unauthorised street vendors inside the estate. Pyare said that these would be clarified once he had an idea of land ownership. He ruled out setting up shop for the vendors and asked the members to suggest ways to remove them.
About the impending monsoon, Raju said, “Every year we shut down the industries for a minimum of 15 days due to the flooding in the estate. When will this end?” This was directed at the PWD officials, who said that desilting work would be done before the rains started.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Women IT professionals are discriminated
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 27 Jun 2011 08:31:32 AM IST
CHENNAI: A young working woman being verbally and physically assaulted by self-appointed moral police in Kochi has raised questions regarding the safety of women in the IT sector. Chennai is considered a safe zone, and many women attest this fact. At the same time, some have had unpleasant experiences. A woman or young girl with unusual work timing is frowned upon not only by family members but also by the general public. The situation gets worse when she is married.
Most women are opting for earlier shifts to leave before dark, especially if they live in distant areas. Cab services have to be requisitioned, which is a lengthy process.
Bus services are infrequent at night, and auto rickshaws tend to charge more than the usual night rate if they figure out that the woman is from an IT firm. Few choose to use their two wheelers or cars.
A company tag is the cue shopkeepers need to automatically quote a ‘special’ price for them. Landlords say that if these girls can spend their salary on going out and having fun, they could pay higher rents. The people of Chennai may not openly show their disapproval, but the subtle ways in which it is expressed takes a toll on these otherwise- confident and independent women.
Girls living with their parents feel that telling their parents about incidents of harassment will curb their independence. They ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Lodging a complaint is too much of a hassle, they say. The best way is to get used to the stares and murmurs.
Last Updated : 27 Jun 2011 08:31:32 AM IST
CHENNAI: A young working woman being verbally and physically assaulted by self-appointed moral police in Kochi has raised questions regarding the safety of women in the IT sector. Chennai is considered a safe zone, and many women attest this fact. At the same time, some have had unpleasant experiences. A woman or young girl with unusual work timing is frowned upon not only by family members but also by the general public. The situation gets worse when she is married.
Most women are opting for earlier shifts to leave before dark, especially if they live in distant areas. Cab services have to be requisitioned, which is a lengthy process.
Bus services are infrequent at night, and auto rickshaws tend to charge more than the usual night rate if they figure out that the woman is from an IT firm. Few choose to use their two wheelers or cars.
A company tag is the cue shopkeepers need to automatically quote a ‘special’ price for them. Landlords say that if these girls can spend their salary on going out and having fun, they could pay higher rents. The people of Chennai may not openly show their disapproval, but the subtle ways in which it is expressed takes a toll on these otherwise- confident and independent women.
Girls living with their parents feel that telling their parents about incidents of harassment will curb their independence. They ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Lodging a complaint is too much of a hassle, they say. The best way is to get used to the stares and murmurs.
Roof of the right wing of GPO caves in
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 06 Nov 2011 08:50:37 AM IST
CHENNAI: The heavy rains in Chennai have brought down the roof of the city’s General Post Office, located in Parry’s Corner.
The roof of the right wing of the 226-year-old heritage building came crashing down owing to the downpour at 1.45 pm on Saturday. No one was injured, as the wing was abandoned and no longer in use. The area was cordoned off to prevent further mishaps.
Chief Postmaster General of Tamil Nadu Circle, Shanti Nair, inspected the building around 5 pm. She took a tour of the entire building, and identified problem areas. Speaking to Express, she said, “The debris will be cleared and repairs made. Since it is a heritage building, we are careful, and are constantly making repairs. Our electrical engineer has also suggested some work that has to be done. The safety of the staff is foremost.” When asked if the GPO would be shifted due to structural and safety concerns, Shanti Nair said that the situation was not so bad as to change offices, but more care would be taken to maintain the building. She was accompanied by Assistant PMG RP Chitra Devi during her inspection.
Express News Service
Last Updated : 06 Nov 2011 08:50:37 AM IST
CHENNAI: The heavy rains in Chennai have brought down the roof of the city’s General Post Office, located in Parry’s Corner.
The roof of the right wing of the 226-year-old heritage building came crashing down owing to the downpour at 1.45 pm on Saturday. No one was injured, as the wing was abandoned and no longer in use. The area was cordoned off to prevent further mishaps.
Chief Postmaster General of Tamil Nadu Circle, Shanti Nair, inspected the building around 5 pm. She took a tour of the entire building, and identified problem areas. Speaking to Express, she said, “The debris will be cleared and repairs made. Since it is a heritage building, we are careful, and are constantly making repairs. Our electrical engineer has also suggested some work that has to be done. The safety of the staff is foremost.” When asked if the GPO would be shifted due to structural and safety concerns, Shanti Nair said that the situation was not so bad as to change offices, but more care would be taken to maintain the building. She was accompanied by Assistant PMG RP Chitra Devi during her inspection.
Woefully inadequate public toilets
Susanna Lazarus
Last Updated : 17 May 2011 07:07:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: On the streets of Kosapet, ramshackle dwellings abound. Most houses do not have toilets and bathrooms, and are forced to rely on the public facilities that have been provided by external agencies.
But the condition of three such public toilets in the area, one of which is pay and use, are terrible.
The women’s portion in two of the places had no roof cover. There is no privacy; the houses around being higher than the building housing the conveniences. Only one of the buildings had a light bulb. In the other two, only fixtures remained.
“There are no lights in the men’s portion either,” said Srinivas, caretaker of the toilet on Sachidhanandam Street.
“It is difficult for the women and children to use the toilet after dark,” he added. The blue sheet roofing is caving in, and there are leaves in the water trough.
The toilet on Arunachalam Street is a pay and use facility. The money is collected by Kamala, who has taken the contract for the building.
“More than a hundred people use this place every day. The charges are Rs 10 for washing clothes, Rs 5 for bathing and Rs 2 for toilet purposes.”
Annapoorani, a worker from the anganwadi, says, “The toilet is unusable. The women’s portion is adjacent to the men’s, and the ventilators offer an unwanted view.”
A toilet in the interior of Kosapet has cobwebs strung across the doors, showing the disuse. The floors are broken. Immediately next to the building is a house offering a direct view from the terrace.
None of the toilets have individual taps, although connections have been provided.
The toilets come under Zone VII, although there is no indication on any of the toilets in the area.
All three conveniences mentioned are within walking distance from Corporation Ward No. 101 office.
Last Updated : 17 May 2011 07:07:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: On the streets of Kosapet, ramshackle dwellings abound. Most houses do not have toilets and bathrooms, and are forced to rely on the public facilities that have been provided by external agencies.
But the condition of three such public toilets in the area, one of which is pay and use, are terrible.
The women’s portion in two of the places had no roof cover. There is no privacy; the houses around being higher than the building housing the conveniences. Only one of the buildings had a light bulb. In the other two, only fixtures remained.
“There are no lights in the men’s portion either,” said Srinivas, caretaker of the toilet on Sachidhanandam Street.
“It is difficult for the women and children to use the toilet after dark,” he added. The blue sheet roofing is caving in, and there are leaves in the water trough.
The toilet on Arunachalam Street is a pay and use facility. The money is collected by Kamala, who has taken the contract for the building.
“More than a hundred people use this place every day. The charges are Rs 10 for washing clothes, Rs 5 for bathing and Rs 2 for toilet purposes.”
Annapoorani, a worker from the anganwadi, says, “The toilet is unusable. The women’s portion is adjacent to the men’s, and the ventilators offer an unwanted view.”
A toilet in the interior of Kosapet has cobwebs strung across the doors, showing the disuse. The floors are broken. Immediately next to the building is a house offering a direct view from the terrace.
None of the toilets have individual taps, although connections have been provided.
The toilets come under Zone VII, although there is no indication on any of the toilets in the area.
All three conveniences mentioned are within walking distance from Corporation Ward No. 101 office.
Traffic woes mark Perambur Barracks Road
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 09 Jun 2011 08:25:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: The busy Perambur Barracks Road (PB Road) in Purasawalkam is perennially congested with traffic. No matter the time of the day, bad traffic is a constant.
Numerous buses use this narrow road, causing roadblocks every few minutes.
Two wheelers and cars try to veer around them, only adding to the chaos. Add to this, the lack of policemen on the stretch to direct the vehicles. When City Express visited the stretch on Wednesday morning, traffic policemen were not present on the road till at least 11am.
Purasawalkam being a residential and shopping area, vehicular movement is high at all times. With at least ten schools in the vicinity, traffic comes to a standstill during school hours.
The traffic policeman at the Doveton Junction, who refused to be identified, says, “Traffic is heavy during the morning and slows down later. Afternoons, we have the shopping crowd.
The signal timings have been calculated keeping this in mind.” June Thomas, a long time resident of Velalla Street off PB Road, says, “When I was in school, we would go to the shops ourselves.
Now, it is unthinkable to send my kids onto the road alone.” She also said that the road is too narrow to handle the increasing number of vehicles.
Vanessa Roche, who uses the road every day, says, “People don’t respond when you honk and they cross the road as they please. But there are also no pedestrian crossings for them to use, and barely any pavements to walk on.” She adds that she tries to avoid the road whenever possible, but it is inevitable.
Shopkeepers on the stretch say that customers do not have place to park. The vehicles stop on both sides, constricting the already narrow road.
S Shambu, proprietor of Smith Field Bakery and a resident of the area, says, “Share autos stop wherever they please. They are the biggest problem on this road. It takes nearly 20 minutes to cross this stretch during peak hour.” A one-way was implemented a while ago, redirecting traffic through Rotler Street, but the system was scrapped after a few weeks. Many residents feel that this would ease the problem. The Perambur flyover, which was meant to ease traffic flow on the entire stretch, has not helped PB Road. The junction at the flyover helps traffic from Vyasarpadi and other places.
There seems to be no end to the woes of the residents and commuters of this road. Residents feel that providing pavements and pedestrian crossings can combat the problem. Widening the road seems out of the question, as many shops and buildings along the road would have to be demolished.
Last Updated : 09 Jun 2011 08:25:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: The busy Perambur Barracks Road (PB Road) in Purasawalkam is perennially congested with traffic. No matter the time of the day, bad traffic is a constant.
Numerous buses use this narrow road, causing roadblocks every few minutes.
Two wheelers and cars try to veer around them, only adding to the chaos. Add to this, the lack of policemen on the stretch to direct the vehicles. When City Express visited the stretch on Wednesday morning, traffic policemen were not present on the road till at least 11am.
Purasawalkam being a residential and shopping area, vehicular movement is high at all times. With at least ten schools in the vicinity, traffic comes to a standstill during school hours.
The traffic policeman at the Doveton Junction, who refused to be identified, says, “Traffic is heavy during the morning and slows down later. Afternoons, we have the shopping crowd.
The signal timings have been calculated keeping this in mind.” June Thomas, a long time resident of Velalla Street off PB Road, says, “When I was in school, we would go to the shops ourselves.
Now, it is unthinkable to send my kids onto the road alone.” She also said that the road is too narrow to handle the increasing number of vehicles.
Vanessa Roche, who uses the road every day, says, “People don’t respond when you honk and they cross the road as they please. But there are also no pedestrian crossings for them to use, and barely any pavements to walk on.” She adds that she tries to avoid the road whenever possible, but it is inevitable.
Shopkeepers on the stretch say that customers do not have place to park. The vehicles stop on both sides, constricting the already narrow road.
S Shambu, proprietor of Smith Field Bakery and a resident of the area, says, “Share autos stop wherever they please. They are the biggest problem on this road. It takes nearly 20 minutes to cross this stretch during peak hour.” A one-way was implemented a while ago, redirecting traffic through Rotler Street, but the system was scrapped after a few weeks. Many residents feel that this would ease the problem. The Perambur flyover, which was meant to ease traffic flow on the entire stretch, has not helped PB Road. The junction at the flyover helps traffic from Vyasarpadi and other places.
There seems to be no end to the woes of the residents and commuters of this road. Residents feel that providing pavements and pedestrian crossings can combat the problem. Widening the road seems out of the question, as many shops and buildings along the road would have to be demolished.
City students discover asteroid
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 07 Sep 2011 08:50:20 AM IST
CHENNAI: One might imagine astronomers to be old men with grey hair, pouring over star charts and images of the night sky. But two of Chennai’s very own students have discovered a previously unknown asteroid!.
As part of the All India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC), P Pragatheesh Prabhu and V Praveni of Shri Natesan Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Manivakkam were successful in registering a main belt asteroid discovery (TOV4A9). More than 60 schools participated in the nation wide campaign. The students will be given an opportunity to name the asteroid. This is the second year the campaign has been conducted in India. Organised by the Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE), an NGO, along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), the programme aims at drawing children to the science of astronomy.
Anandha Mani, teacher coordinator of Natesan Vidyalaya, said, “Last year we were taught to operate the software used to analyse the images. Although we did not find anything last year, we are happy to have registered a discovery this year.” A provisional discovery is announced only when there are two additional observations made, followed by the preliminary discovery.
The students were not available to comment, but Pragatheesh’s mother said that her son was ecstatic about the discovery. In a letter to the school, Space group CMD Sachin Bahmba congratulated the participants saying, “These children will eventually become the torch bearers of the scientific temper in the future.”
Last Updated : 07 Sep 2011 08:50:20 AM IST
CHENNAI: One might imagine astronomers to be old men with grey hair, pouring over star charts and images of the night sky. But two of Chennai’s very own students have discovered a previously unknown asteroid!.
As part of the All India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC), P Pragatheesh Prabhu and V Praveni of Shri Natesan Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Manivakkam were successful in registering a main belt asteroid discovery (TOV4A9). More than 60 schools participated in the nation wide campaign. The students will be given an opportunity to name the asteroid. This is the second year the campaign has been conducted in India. Organised by the Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE), an NGO, along with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), the programme aims at drawing children to the science of astronomy.
Anandha Mani, teacher coordinator of Natesan Vidyalaya, said, “Last year we were taught to operate the software used to analyse the images. Although we did not find anything last year, we are happy to have registered a discovery this year.” A provisional discovery is announced only when there are two additional observations made, followed by the preliminary discovery.
The students were not available to comment, but Pragatheesh’s mother said that her son was ecstatic about the discovery. In a letter to the school, Space group CMD Sachin Bahmba congratulated the participants saying, “These children will eventually become the torch bearers of the scientific temper in the future.”
Vendors fleece hapless customers in the beaches
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 06 Jun 2011 08:44:52 AM IST
CHENNAI: Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach are popular family hangouts, especially during the summer. But if you think they’re an affordable alternative to expensive malls, you’re in for a rude shock. All food and drink items on both beaches are sold above Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Customers are charged Rs 5 extra for a bottle of water or a packet of chips. A pack of cigarettes also costs Rs 5 more and a single cigarette costs `2 more than its actual price. A shopkeeper bluntly says, “That is just how it is here.” Ice cream vendors along the Marina charge Rs 5 extra on each ice cream. While the actual cost of the popular ones is just Rs 5, customers have to pay twice the amount for one. The same happens at Elliot’s beach, Besant Nagar. It is said that the ice cream carts are taken on contract and the vendors invest in the ice cream. One of the vendors says, “We charge Rs 5 extra to meet the loss for the melting ice candies.
The loss is borne by us, not the contractor.” However, this is not an isolated case. Visitors to any popular public hangouts are subject to paying more than the MRP. Kumar, a customer on the beach, says, “Charging over the MRP is an offense for which the dealer can be punished. But rather than facing the hassle of going to the consumer court and rectifying the situation, people grumble and pay the extra money.” Section 4A of the Weights and Measures Act defines retail sale price as “the maximum price at which the excisable goods in packaged form may be sold to the ultimate consumer and includes all taxes.” But these practices are in violation of the prescribed code. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is to ensure that such malpractices do not occur.
If you find that any shop is over charging, you should first highlight it to the shopkeeper.
If the latter insists on charging the same amount, you can insist on a bill and bring it to the attention of the Department of Legal Metrology. The Inspector of Labour will follow up on the complaint. You can also go to the consumer court.
Speaking about a personal experience in which she had been charged Rs 10 extra for a pack of ice cream, Saroja of Consumer Awareness Group (CAG), says, “The man claimed that the extra money was to cover the cost of cooling. He should not sell ice cream if he cannot pay for the cooling.” As per the Consumer Protection Act, violators can get a one-month long jail sentence or pay a fine up to Rs 10,000.
Last Updated : 06 Jun 2011 08:44:52 AM IST
CHENNAI: Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach are popular family hangouts, especially during the summer. But if you think they’re an affordable alternative to expensive malls, you’re in for a rude shock. All food and drink items on both beaches are sold above Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Customers are charged Rs 5 extra for a bottle of water or a packet of chips. A pack of cigarettes also costs Rs 5 more and a single cigarette costs `2 more than its actual price. A shopkeeper bluntly says, “That is just how it is here.” Ice cream vendors along the Marina charge Rs 5 extra on each ice cream. While the actual cost of the popular ones is just Rs 5, customers have to pay twice the amount for one. The same happens at Elliot’s beach, Besant Nagar. It is said that the ice cream carts are taken on contract and the vendors invest in the ice cream. One of the vendors says, “We charge Rs 5 extra to meet the loss for the melting ice candies.
The loss is borne by us, not the contractor.” However, this is not an isolated case. Visitors to any popular public hangouts are subject to paying more than the MRP. Kumar, a customer on the beach, says, “Charging over the MRP is an offense for which the dealer can be punished. But rather than facing the hassle of going to the consumer court and rectifying the situation, people grumble and pay the extra money.” Section 4A of the Weights and Measures Act defines retail sale price as “the maximum price at which the excisable goods in packaged form may be sold to the ultimate consumer and includes all taxes.” But these practices are in violation of the prescribed code. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is to ensure that such malpractices do not occur.
If you find that any shop is over charging, you should first highlight it to the shopkeeper.
If the latter insists on charging the same amount, you can insist on a bill and bring it to the attention of the Department of Legal Metrology. The Inspector of Labour will follow up on the complaint. You can also go to the consumer court.
Speaking about a personal experience in which she had been charged Rs 10 extra for a pack of ice cream, Saroja of Consumer Awareness Group (CAG), says, “The man claimed that the extra money was to cover the cost of cooling. He should not sell ice cream if he cannot pay for the cooling.” As per the Consumer Protection Act, violators can get a one-month long jail sentence or pay a fine up to Rs 10,000.
Differently-abled protest unfair law
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 04 Oct 2011 08:33:22 AM IST
CHENNAI: Outside the Tamil Nadu State Election Office, a small crowd of differently-abled people milled around in the scorching heat – some leaning on canes and crutches, others in their wheelchairs, but all of them with a single purpose. A little later, a mini bus, full of more representatives of the group, landed to lend their support.
In the light of the candidature of a speech and hearing impaired woman, T Kavitha, being rejected, the Federation of the Tamil Nadu Physically Handicapped Associations (FTNPHA) led a demonstration outside the State Election Commission office today. They also condemned the use of the words “sevittu-oomai” (deaf-mute) in the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act Sec 37(3) and the laws which “reject (them) on the basis of disability alone.” Reacting to the issue, Vice President of the FTNPHA TMN Deepak asked, “If our former chief minister Karunanidhi wishes to contest in the Mayor elections, will he be kept out? He too is wheelchair bound.”
Kavitha aspired to be a candidate from the Navamaal Kapper village in Villupuram district, which is a women’s ward. Her candidature was rejected based on the above mentioned clause, which stipulates that persons of "unsound mind or deaf-mute" will not be allowed to contest.
Deepak said, “On one side, people say we have to be given equal opportunities. On the other hand, we face insensitive laws like these. We do not know what to believe.”
India was the seventh country in the world and the first significant country to recognise the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. Citing this, Deepak says, “People with disabilities should be effectively allowed to participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others. Keeping us out of active politics amounts to taking us back a hundred years, and making our struggle to get to where we are today meaningless.”
General Secretary of the federation P Simmachandran says, “Politicians come to our houses asking for our votes – there are 22 lakh such differently-abled people in Tamil Nadu alone. Why should we vote when we cannot represent our own people?” The group said that if no satisfactory action was taken or promised, they would ensure that none of the differently-abled in the state or their families would vote, and they would also encourage others to boycott the elections.
Representatives from the federation met the Tamil Nadu State Election Commissioner, S Ayyar, and presented to him a letter demanding the removal of the offending terminology and to take necessary measures to remove such restrictions on the differently-abled. They also requested that the voting centres be made election friendly, with ramps and toilets for the differently-abled, and that they should not be made to walk the 100m distance to the polling booth.
Talking to City Express, Ayyar said, “Now that the day for filing nominations has passed, the changes can be suggested in the next Assembly elections. This can be done only if the Act is amended. Their request is very valid and we have already sent a proposal to the Government for the same. I have told them that the needful will be done at the earliest.” He also said that Kavitha would not be able to contest these elections.
The federation is also set to file a Public Interest Litigation in the Madras High Court seeking an amendment to the Act. Regarding this, Ayyar said, “I have told them that I will not interfere with their rights. It is their prerogative; I cannot stop them from going to the court. I have assured them that I will not hinder their actions.”
Later, in a press release, the commissioner assured that steps would be taken to make the law more humane. Another instance that irked the representatives of the differently-abled was the fact that the Election Commissioner’s office was on the first floor and it did not have a lift or any means by which they could reach .the office directly like others could. Deepak said, “Having a ramp outside is well and good but the discrimination is still evident inside.”
‘I’m hurt by the terms used in the law’
T Kavitha of Navamaal Kapper village in Villupuram district had applied for the candidature of ward counsellor, in the hope of rectifying her village’s problems. Her dreams crashed when her candidature was rejected.
“I applied with the help of a lawyer. So, there is nothing wrong with my application,” says Kavitha, through a representative of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Physically Handicapped Associations. “I manage 10 women who work for me. I have come up despite my impairment and I know I am capable of handling this post,” she says. Saying that she was hurt by the terms used in the law to describe those like her, she says, “Those who have used such terms are the deaf and mute ones. They do not see how much pain their words have caused to those in our community.”
What the law says: The Tamil Nadu State Election Commission in their Handbook for Candidates( Rural) under Sec 2.2 (c) say a person can be disqualified from filing nomination if he or she is a deaf/ mute or of unsound mind. And in the Handbook for Candidates( Urban) under Sec 2.3(c) that a person can be disqualified from filing nomination if he or she is deaf/mute or of unsound mind or Leprosy affected.
Express News Service
Last Updated : 04 Oct 2011 08:33:22 AM IST
CHENNAI: Outside the Tamil Nadu State Election Office, a small crowd of differently-abled people milled around in the scorching heat – some leaning on canes and crutches, others in their wheelchairs, but all of them with a single purpose. A little later, a mini bus, full of more representatives of the group, landed to lend their support.
In the light of the candidature of a speech and hearing impaired woman, T Kavitha, being rejected, the Federation of the Tamil Nadu Physically Handicapped Associations (FTNPHA) led a demonstration outside the State Election Commission office today. They also condemned the use of the words “sevittu-oomai” (deaf-mute) in the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act Sec 37(3) and the laws which “reject (them) on the basis of disability alone.” Reacting to the issue, Vice President of the FTNPHA TMN Deepak asked, “If our former chief minister Karunanidhi wishes to contest in the Mayor elections, will he be kept out? He too is wheelchair bound.”
Kavitha aspired to be a candidate from the Navamaal Kapper village in Villupuram district, which is a women’s ward. Her candidature was rejected based on the above mentioned clause, which stipulates that persons of "unsound mind or deaf-mute" will not be allowed to contest.
Deepak said, “On one side, people say we have to be given equal opportunities. On the other hand, we face insensitive laws like these. We do not know what to believe.”
India was the seventh country in the world and the first significant country to recognise the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. Citing this, Deepak says, “People with disabilities should be effectively allowed to participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others. Keeping us out of active politics amounts to taking us back a hundred years, and making our struggle to get to where we are today meaningless.”
General Secretary of the federation P Simmachandran says, “Politicians come to our houses asking for our votes – there are 22 lakh such differently-abled people in Tamil Nadu alone. Why should we vote when we cannot represent our own people?” The group said that if no satisfactory action was taken or promised, they would ensure that none of the differently-abled in the state or their families would vote, and they would also encourage others to boycott the elections.
Representatives from the federation met the Tamil Nadu State Election Commissioner, S Ayyar, and presented to him a letter demanding the removal of the offending terminology and to take necessary measures to remove such restrictions on the differently-abled. They also requested that the voting centres be made election friendly, with ramps and toilets for the differently-abled, and that they should not be made to walk the 100m distance to the polling booth.
Talking to City Express, Ayyar said, “Now that the day for filing nominations has passed, the changes can be suggested in the next Assembly elections. This can be done only if the Act is amended. Their request is very valid and we have already sent a proposal to the Government for the same. I have told them that the needful will be done at the earliest.” He also said that Kavitha would not be able to contest these elections.
The federation is also set to file a Public Interest Litigation in the Madras High Court seeking an amendment to the Act. Regarding this, Ayyar said, “I have told them that I will not interfere with their rights. It is their prerogative; I cannot stop them from going to the court. I have assured them that I will not hinder their actions.”
Later, in a press release, the commissioner assured that steps would be taken to make the law more humane. Another instance that irked the representatives of the differently-abled was the fact that the Election Commissioner’s office was on the first floor and it did not have a lift or any means by which they could reach .the office directly like others could. Deepak said, “Having a ramp outside is well and good but the discrimination is still evident inside.”
‘I’m hurt by the terms used in the law’
T Kavitha of Navamaal Kapper village in Villupuram district had applied for the candidature of ward counsellor, in the hope of rectifying her village’s problems. Her dreams crashed when her candidature was rejected.
“I applied with the help of a lawyer. So, there is nothing wrong with my application,” says Kavitha, through a representative of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Physically Handicapped Associations. “I manage 10 women who work for me. I have come up despite my impairment and I know I am capable of handling this post,” she says. Saying that she was hurt by the terms used in the law to describe those like her, she says, “Those who have used such terms are the deaf and mute ones. They do not see how much pain their words have caused to those in our community.”
What the law says: The Tamil Nadu State Election Commission in their Handbook for Candidates( Rural) under Sec 2.2 (c) say a person can be disqualified from filing nomination if he or she is a deaf/ mute or of unsound mind. And in the Handbook for Candidates( Urban) under Sec 2.3(c) that a person can be disqualified from filing nomination if he or she is deaf/mute or of unsound mind or Leprosy affected.
Maduravoyal cries for badly-needed attention
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 08 Nov 2011 08:26:20 AM IST
CHENNAI: The newly expanded Chennai Corporation has its work cut out, considering the state of the localities on the outskirts of the city. One such area is Maduravoyal, which has been facing a plethora of problems for the last few years. Entering Maduravoyal through Alapakkam Main Road is an ordeal in itself. The road is narrow, and does not look like the thoroughfare it is meant to be. This road connects Arcot Road to Poonamalee High road, and sees a lot of heavy-vehicular traffic through the day.
The surface is cratered throughout the entire stretch. Even two days after the rains have stopped, ankle-deep water still stands; sewage water has overflowed from the blocked drains and added to the misery of residents and commuters.
These problems do not appear only because of the rains. The roads by themselves are bad. When City Express visited the interiors of Maduravoyal, the situation was found to be pathetic. Roads in many colonies simply do not exist. There is no black topping – the entire road has been transformed to slush.
K Sampath, a resident of the area since 1993, says “These issues have been plaguing the area for the last two years. Previously, they used to do at least a temporary patchwork. Now, even that has not been done.”
Areas like Ashtalakshmi Nagar, Sri Devi Nagar, Krishna Nagar and Ganga Nagar are the worst affected.
Since the sewage is blocked and has nowhere to go, the dirty water has overflowed and forces residents and students of the nearby school to wade through it to get to their destination. It is near impossible to commute to the interiors without a personal vehicle. Ezhumalai, an auto driver and resident of the area for the past 20 years, says, “I spend more than `2,000 a month on servicing my auto rickshaw, if not more. It is very difficult to operate here.”
Every few feet on Ashtalakshmi Nagar Main Road, one can find potholes as wide as the road itself. Due to the rain, they are filled with water. In one of the streets, an iron rod sticks out dangerously in the middle of the road. Ganga Nagar residents say that they are suffering due to the bad smell and unhygienic conditions caused by sewage overflow.
The roads around the ration shop which cater to the localities is also in a bad condition, and many people have lost their rations due to slipping and falling in the slush. Similarly, many minor accidents occur on these roads on an everyday basis.
Residents also report that for the last two months, streetlights have not been working. This has led to many cases of theft and jewel snatching. S Gangadharan, a resident of the area and owner of a shop on Alapakkam Main Road, says, “There have been a few murders here in the last few years. There is no safety for women on the roads, and anti-social activities have increased. There are not enough policemen to handle the problems we face.”
When residents approach the authorities, they find that they are in a state of limbo between being a municipality and being a part of the Corporation. An official of the municipality said to City Express on condition of anonymity, “We have started pumping out water using agro motors and work will progress shortly. As for the bad state of the roads, we can start work on them only after the Metro Water finishes their pipe laying work. In the next two months, the Corporation will look to speed up work.”
Express News Service
Last Updated : 08 Nov 2011 08:26:20 AM IST
CHENNAI: The newly expanded Chennai Corporation has its work cut out, considering the state of the localities on the outskirts of the city. One such area is Maduravoyal, which has been facing a plethora of problems for the last few years. Entering Maduravoyal through Alapakkam Main Road is an ordeal in itself. The road is narrow, and does not look like the thoroughfare it is meant to be. This road connects Arcot Road to Poonamalee High road, and sees a lot of heavy-vehicular traffic through the day.
The surface is cratered throughout the entire stretch. Even two days after the rains have stopped, ankle-deep water still stands; sewage water has overflowed from the blocked drains and added to the misery of residents and commuters.
These problems do not appear only because of the rains. The roads by themselves are bad. When City Express visited the interiors of Maduravoyal, the situation was found to be pathetic. Roads in many colonies simply do not exist. There is no black topping – the entire road has been transformed to slush.
K Sampath, a resident of the area since 1993, says “These issues have been plaguing the area for the last two years. Previously, they used to do at least a temporary patchwork. Now, even that has not been done.”
Areas like Ashtalakshmi Nagar, Sri Devi Nagar, Krishna Nagar and Ganga Nagar are the worst affected.
Since the sewage is blocked and has nowhere to go, the dirty water has overflowed and forces residents and students of the nearby school to wade through it to get to their destination. It is near impossible to commute to the interiors without a personal vehicle. Ezhumalai, an auto driver and resident of the area for the past 20 years, says, “I spend more than `2,000 a month on servicing my auto rickshaw, if not more. It is very difficult to operate here.”
Every few feet on Ashtalakshmi Nagar Main Road, one can find potholes as wide as the road itself. Due to the rain, they are filled with water. In one of the streets, an iron rod sticks out dangerously in the middle of the road. Ganga Nagar residents say that they are suffering due to the bad smell and unhygienic conditions caused by sewage overflow.
The roads around the ration shop which cater to the localities is also in a bad condition, and many people have lost their rations due to slipping and falling in the slush. Similarly, many minor accidents occur on these roads on an everyday basis.
Residents also report that for the last two months, streetlights have not been working. This has led to many cases of theft and jewel snatching. S Gangadharan, a resident of the area and owner of a shop on Alapakkam Main Road, says, “There have been a few murders here in the last few years. There is no safety for women on the roads, and anti-social activities have increased. There are not enough policemen to handle the problems we face.”
When residents approach the authorities, they find that they are in a state of limbo between being a municipality and being a part of the Corporation. An official of the municipality said to City Express on condition of anonymity, “We have started pumping out water using agro motors and work will progress shortly. As for the bad state of the roads, we can start work on them only after the Metro Water finishes their pipe laying work. In the next two months, the Corporation will look to speed up work.”
Is Chennai ready for a ‘Slut Walk’?
By Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
08 Aug 2011 10:54:00 PM IST
CHENNAI: Generally considered to be a safer city than most, Chennai’s conservative nature acts as a veneer for the subtle forms of sexual harassment a woman goes through everyday on the streets. Keeping in line with the recent international movement of women, the city may soon see a ‘Slut Walk’.
The statement of a Canadian police official saying, “Women should avoid dressing up as sluts in order to not be victimised” was the spark that ignited the passionate response in so many women. Blaming women for a crime against them might not have been the best idea, since no women would ask for the brutal physical and psychological pain that is rape.
Starting in Toronto, Slut Walk became a worldwide phenomenon: women taking to the streets, bearing placards, wearing slutty clothes. The movement then spread to India, modified to suit our more conservative aesthetics. The message remained the same, if not stronger, for women came in their everyday clothes. The first one, held in New Delhi on July 31, saw more than 1,000 participants, both male and female.
Shreya (name changed), a college student, says “I did wonder what the response to a similar event in Chennai would be like. Hopefully, something good will come out of it.” So far the response to the Facebook page has been good. The idea is still in its nascent stage, but going by the posts on the page, it may soon become a reality.
With 646 persons willing to attend the walk and 216 who say they may attend, the response in five days has been phenomenal. Discussions on the page have suggested a more appropriate name for the walk, as the word ‘slut’ may not be understood in all its connotation, and some may even find it so offensive as not to support a good cause. In Delhi, the term Besharmi Morcha, Hindi for shameless walk, has been used.
One of the members, Tamara Choksey, posts, “I’ve visited Chennai annually for the past 15 years, but this year I had an extremely frustrating trip. This summer, I got to a point where, though I’m not a Muslim, I wanted to buy a burkha so that I wouldn’t have to worry about whether or not I would be sexually harassed that day.” Similar posts give an idea of what the women who live in the city go through on a daily basis.
Another member, Kshama Adka, says, “Its Chennai! You’ll probably get harassed even if you wore clothes covering every inch of your body! You’ll probably get harassed while the slut walk is on! The intention is well appreciated but pragmatically ... something to be thought about!”
Most women in India are wearing either a salwar kameez or a sari when they are raped — starting a debate on whether our national dress incites rape as well.
There have also been voices of dissent, and some taunts, mainly from men or boys. There were, also, feeble attempts at humour, such as those by a Siddharth Raghunanda, who asks, “Sexually Promiscuous Walk?” are not let off lightly. Women of all ages are welcome, as are men. The place and time of the event are yet to be decided.
© Copyright 2008 ExpressBuzz
08 Aug 2011 10:54:00 PM IST
CHENNAI: Generally considered to be a safer city than most, Chennai’s conservative nature acts as a veneer for the subtle forms of sexual harassment a woman goes through everyday on the streets. Keeping in line with the recent international movement of women, the city may soon see a ‘Slut Walk’.
The statement of a Canadian police official saying, “Women should avoid dressing up as sluts in order to not be victimised” was the spark that ignited the passionate response in so many women. Blaming women for a crime against them might not have been the best idea, since no women would ask for the brutal physical and psychological pain that is rape.
Starting in Toronto, Slut Walk became a worldwide phenomenon: women taking to the streets, bearing placards, wearing slutty clothes. The movement then spread to India, modified to suit our more conservative aesthetics. The message remained the same, if not stronger, for women came in their everyday clothes. The first one, held in New Delhi on July 31, saw more than 1,000 participants, both male and female.
Shreya (name changed), a college student, says “I did wonder what the response to a similar event in Chennai would be like. Hopefully, something good will come out of it.” So far the response to the Facebook page has been good. The idea is still in its nascent stage, but going by the posts on the page, it may soon become a reality.
With 646 persons willing to attend the walk and 216 who say they may attend, the response in five days has been phenomenal. Discussions on the page have suggested a more appropriate name for the walk, as the word ‘slut’ may not be understood in all its connotation, and some may even find it so offensive as not to support a good cause. In Delhi, the term Besharmi Morcha, Hindi for shameless walk, has been used.
One of the members, Tamara Choksey, posts, “I’ve visited Chennai annually for the past 15 years, but this year I had an extremely frustrating trip. This summer, I got to a point where, though I’m not a Muslim, I wanted to buy a burkha so that I wouldn’t have to worry about whether or not I would be sexually harassed that day.” Similar posts give an idea of what the women who live in the city go through on a daily basis.
Another member, Kshama Adka, says, “Its Chennai! You’ll probably get harassed even if you wore clothes covering every inch of your body! You’ll probably get harassed while the slut walk is on! The intention is well appreciated but pragmatically ... something to be thought about!”
Most women in India are wearing either a salwar kameez or a sari when they are raped — starting a debate on whether our national dress incites rape as well.
There have also been voices of dissent, and some taunts, mainly from men or boys. There were, also, feeble attempts at humour, such as those by a Siddharth Raghunanda, who asks, “Sexually Promiscuous Walk?” are not let off lightly. Women of all ages are welcome, as are men. The place and time of the event are yet to be decided.
© Copyright 2008 ExpressBuzz
Down's syndrome children share joy
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 04 Oct 2011 09:58:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: Clad in bright yellow T-shirts, and with beaming smiles, the city saw children engaged in an unusual act of giving back to society. Around 20 children from Mathru Mandir, an institution for individuals affected by Down’s syndrome, distributed food packets to beggars and underprivileged persons outside the Shri Balaji Temple in T Nagar.
Their shirts read ‘Joy of Giving Week,’ and one could see that joy on the faces of the children. Supported by the Down’s syndrome association of Tamil Nadu, they extended their support and participation in the Joy of Giving Week. From beggars to auto drivers, every one passing by received food packets given by the children. The food distributed for the Annadhaanam was from the money raised by the students themselves, which had been collected from their family and friends.
Sandhya, Special Educator and Parent at the Down's Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu said, “We think that these children affected by Down’s syndrome are the ones that need help, but they feel that they need to help others. The children are very happy and enthusiastic about being a part of Joy of Giving Week, to do their bit for society.” Earlier in the week, the children helped the school staff in cleaning — from sweeping to washing the van. Arthi, a 20-year-old student at Mathru Mandir, gave a month’s need of toiletries to Selvi, a girl from the slum.
Last year, around 2,000 Down's syndrome-affected children from all over Tamil Nadu, assembled at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai for a day full of games, fun and entertainment. This year, the Down's Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu is hosting the same event in five districts. Around 250 to 500 intellectually-disabled persons (12 years and above) will celebrate a fun filled day in Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Erode, Trichy and Tirunelveli.
Express News Service
Last Updated : 04 Oct 2011 09:58:05 AM IST
CHENNAI: Clad in bright yellow T-shirts, and with beaming smiles, the city saw children engaged in an unusual act of giving back to society. Around 20 children from Mathru Mandir, an institution for individuals affected by Down’s syndrome, distributed food packets to beggars and underprivileged persons outside the Shri Balaji Temple in T Nagar.
Their shirts read ‘Joy of Giving Week,’ and one could see that joy on the faces of the children. Supported by the Down’s syndrome association of Tamil Nadu, they extended their support and participation in the Joy of Giving Week. From beggars to auto drivers, every one passing by received food packets given by the children. The food distributed for the Annadhaanam was from the money raised by the students themselves, which had been collected from their family and friends.
Sandhya, Special Educator and Parent at the Down's Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu said, “We think that these children affected by Down’s syndrome are the ones that need help, but they feel that they need to help others. The children are very happy and enthusiastic about being a part of Joy of Giving Week, to do their bit for society.” Earlier in the week, the children helped the school staff in cleaning — from sweeping to washing the van. Arthi, a 20-year-old student at Mathru Mandir, gave a month’s need of toiletries to Selvi, a girl from the slum.
Last year, around 2,000 Down's syndrome-affected children from all over Tamil Nadu, assembled at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai for a day full of games, fun and entertainment. This year, the Down's Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu is hosting the same event in five districts. Around 250 to 500 intellectually-disabled persons (12 years and above) will celebrate a fun filled day in Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Erode, Trichy and Tirunelveli.
Be a braveheart to face fleecing auto drivers
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 04 Oct 2011 09:31:51 AM IST
CHENNAI: Over the years, the city’s auto rickshaws have developed a reputation. Although there are a few who go against the grain, many feel that the callous behavior and attitude of auto drivers leaves much to be desired. The most frequent complaint against autos is about the exorbitant fares.
Apart from the difficulty to find an auto driver who is willing to take you to your destination, the most difficult task is the haggling to reach a satisfactory fare. Some people have got it down to a fine art, but for others, that is the prime concern. Sarah*, a journalist who uses autos regularly, says, “The moment they see you, they will talk about the weather or any other reason to manipulate the passenger and take their money. The faint-hearted succumb. Their other standard trick is to blame the fuel price hike. For a Rs. 2 or Rs. 3 petrol price hike they increase prices by Rs. 10 to Rs. 20.” Living in Thiruvanmiyur, she has now started shifting to call taxis.
Another trick is to agree to a certain price, and then whine their way through the ride. Bhavya*, a resident of Velachery, recalls an incident where the auto driver refused to drop her at her home, but stopped at a distance. “He then refused to give me the change,” she says.
Karishma Suresh, a college student, says, “Some auto drivers who drive LPG autos try to cheat us by saying that they have to pay a bomb for petrol whereas LPG is much cheaper. I caught one guy once and blasted him.” She also says that it is unfair, as in states like Kerala, auto charges are as low as Rs. 10 or Rs. 15 for the same distance Chennaiites pay Rs. 60 for. Also, a ride in an auto is not for the faint hearted. Zooming through traffic at breakneck speed, swerving and startling pedestrians and two-wheelers alike, most autos considered nuisances on the road.
Joshua Devadas, a resident of Pazhavanthangal working in an IT firm, says, “All the auto driver cares about is getting his passenger to his destination. He doesn’t care even if it involves scratching another man’s car. They have an illusion that they are riding cycles and all they need is a few inches to squeeze through.”
With infrequent bus services at night, autos are the last resort for women working or travelling late. They are forced to pay high rates as the auto driver taunts, “How will you get another auto at this time?”
The statement rings true, and once into the auto, the women are sometimes subjected to lewd stares through the entirety of the ride. If they suspect that you don’t know Tamil, a few suggestive songs are thrown into the mix, and they don’t take it kindly when confronted.
*Names changed
Express News Service
Last Updated : 04 Oct 2011 09:31:51 AM IST
CHENNAI: Over the years, the city’s auto rickshaws have developed a reputation. Although there are a few who go against the grain, many feel that the callous behavior and attitude of auto drivers leaves much to be desired. The most frequent complaint against autos is about the exorbitant fares.
Apart from the difficulty to find an auto driver who is willing to take you to your destination, the most difficult task is the haggling to reach a satisfactory fare. Some people have got it down to a fine art, but for others, that is the prime concern. Sarah*, a journalist who uses autos regularly, says, “The moment they see you, they will talk about the weather or any other reason to manipulate the passenger and take their money. The faint-hearted succumb. Their other standard trick is to blame the fuel price hike. For a Rs. 2 or Rs. 3 petrol price hike they increase prices by Rs. 10 to Rs. 20.” Living in Thiruvanmiyur, she has now started shifting to call taxis.
Another trick is to agree to a certain price, and then whine their way through the ride. Bhavya*, a resident of Velachery, recalls an incident where the auto driver refused to drop her at her home, but stopped at a distance. “He then refused to give me the change,” she says.
Karishma Suresh, a college student, says, “Some auto drivers who drive LPG autos try to cheat us by saying that they have to pay a bomb for petrol whereas LPG is much cheaper. I caught one guy once and blasted him.” She also says that it is unfair, as in states like Kerala, auto charges are as low as Rs. 10 or Rs. 15 for the same distance Chennaiites pay Rs. 60 for. Also, a ride in an auto is not for the faint hearted. Zooming through traffic at breakneck speed, swerving and startling pedestrians and two-wheelers alike, most autos considered nuisances on the road.
Joshua Devadas, a resident of Pazhavanthangal working in an IT firm, says, “All the auto driver cares about is getting his passenger to his destination. He doesn’t care even if it involves scratching another man’s car. They have an illusion that they are riding cycles and all they need is a few inches to squeeze through.”
With infrequent bus services at night, autos are the last resort for women working or travelling late. They are forced to pay high rates as the auto driver taunts, “How will you get another auto at this time?”
The statement rings true, and once into the auto, the women are sometimes subjected to lewd stares through the entirety of the ride. If they suspect that you don’t know Tamil, a few suggestive songs are thrown into the mix, and they don’t take it kindly when confronted.
*Names changed
Focus on innovation
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 03 Oct 2011 08:44:35 AM IST
CHENNAI: The IIT-M’s four day technical extravaganza, SHAASTRA 2011, saw students from all over India participate with gusto, not only for the sake of competition, but also to learn and innovate for the betterment of the world. Besides the fun and the hands-on events, a lot of innovative thinking was encouraged throughout the fest.
As part of the SHAASTRA impact events, the Shaastra Social Innovation Challenge is expected to have a direct impact on rural India. The challenge is to create an innovative solar cooker that could replace the traditional wood based cooking source. The design parameters are open ended, and the prototype will need to be constructed of durable materials which should easily accessible and available in most villages across India. Shaastra will field the best designs for the Solar Cooker at the Global Challenge, where the top design will have the opportunity to travel to Rajasthan and build their designs in the villages for field testing.
The two-stage Inter University Sustainability Challenge tested the students’ ability to make their campus sustainable. Keeping in mind the current scenario in educational institutes, Shaastra identified a number of green projects covering diverse themes like energy, water, waste-management, social media & awareness and community. Depending on the number of projects completed and their difficulty level, the top six teams were invited to IIT-M for the final round.
The symposium this year concentrated on sustainable technologies. With the objective of creating leaders better sensitised to evaluate challenging problems faced today, the symposium provided a platform for the participants to develop individually and realize their potential as leaders of tomorrow. They were mentored by leaders in their respective fields, and will be privy to a plethora of lectures and video conferences with leading personalities such as Nachiket More, Jayaprakash Narayan, Balaji Sampath and Kentaro Toyoma.
Workshops on subjects like ethical hacking, astrophotography, nanomaterials, android application development, parallel programming workshop, finance and aeronautics were also held.
Express News Service
Last Updated : 03 Oct 2011 08:44:35 AM IST
CHENNAI: The IIT-M’s four day technical extravaganza, SHAASTRA 2011, saw students from all over India participate with gusto, not only for the sake of competition, but also to learn and innovate for the betterment of the world. Besides the fun and the hands-on events, a lot of innovative thinking was encouraged throughout the fest.
As part of the SHAASTRA impact events, the Shaastra Social Innovation Challenge is expected to have a direct impact on rural India. The challenge is to create an innovative solar cooker that could replace the traditional wood based cooking source. The design parameters are open ended, and the prototype will need to be constructed of durable materials which should easily accessible and available in most villages across India. Shaastra will field the best designs for the Solar Cooker at the Global Challenge, where the top design will have the opportunity to travel to Rajasthan and build their designs in the villages for field testing.
The two-stage Inter University Sustainability Challenge tested the students’ ability to make their campus sustainable. Keeping in mind the current scenario in educational institutes, Shaastra identified a number of green projects covering diverse themes like energy, water, waste-management, social media & awareness and community. Depending on the number of projects completed and their difficulty level, the top six teams were invited to IIT-M for the final round.
The symposium this year concentrated on sustainable technologies. With the objective of creating leaders better sensitised to evaluate challenging problems faced today, the symposium provided a platform for the participants to develop individually and realize their potential as leaders of tomorrow. They were mentored by leaders in their respective fields, and will be privy to a plethora of lectures and video conferences with leading personalities such as Nachiket More, Jayaprakash Narayan, Balaji Sampath and Kentaro Toyoma.
Workshops on subjects like ethical hacking, astrophotography, nanomaterials, android application development, parallel programming workshop, finance and aeronautics were also held.
Curtain call for Shaastra
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 03 Oct 2011 08:45:27 AM IST
CHENNAI: Amid huge models made of scrap material and screaming race car drivers, the 13th edition of SHAASTRA, Indian Institute of Technology – Madras’ (IIT-M) annual technical festival drew to a close today. The finals of various events were held on Sunday, as the festival culminated to the satisfaction of both organisers and participants.
Fire and Ice, the remote control car challenge saw excited students concentrating hard to race their cars to the finish line. Sounds of engines whirring and cars zipping past were galore as the crowds were treated to some good entertainment. A total of 14 teams participated in the event that was held completely during Shaastra. The first round consisted of a timing round where the cars were required to complete laps on a track with obstacles. The second and the final round had two cars racing against each other. A team from Maharshi Markandeshwar college of Engineering Chandigarh came first in the event.
Junkyard Wars, one of the more challenging competitions, required participants to build working models out of scrap material. The hands-on event tested participants' creativity and simplicity in designing huge machines from nothing but junk. Participants were required to construct the most amazing machines with nothing but junk. Of the 170 teams registered in the first round, 30 were selected on the basis of a written paper. The final eight teams were asked to make a fork lift and they were given a dilapidated moped and lots of junk. There were several constraints placed on the device to be made. Teams were given complete access to the IIT-M workshop to complete their tasks.
The test flights of the RC aircraft made in the Aero Workshop were also held early on Sunday. Eight teams of students were guided by student coordinators from IIT-M. Chandru, one of the coordinators of the event said, “The participants were given all the materials needed to build the aircraft. At the end of four days, they can now go home with a complete RC aircraft.”
The plans were designed over the summer by three students of second year aerospace engineering — Chandru, Manu and Akhil. “The design was inspired by something we saw on the internet. After redesigning and tweaking to our specifications, the model is a lot different than from when we started out,” says Chandru. The finished aircraft weighed 1.5kgs, with a wingspan of 6 ft and tail to tip length of 4.5 ft.
The finals of How Things Work, a quiz competition were also held. Other interesting events were IQ, which tested the participants' speed, accuracy, analytical skills and common sense and Ignobel, a take on the Ignobel awards which recognise whacky ways in which science has been used. Students were asked to write their own research papers with a twist.
The symposium, which focused on the increasing need to unite the advancement in technology with the development of all facets of society, and the other hands-on and programming events, also marked the last day of the tech fest.
Express News Service
Last Updated : 03 Oct 2011 08:45:27 AM IST
CHENNAI: Amid huge models made of scrap material and screaming race car drivers, the 13th edition of SHAASTRA, Indian Institute of Technology – Madras’ (IIT-M) annual technical festival drew to a close today. The finals of various events were held on Sunday, as the festival culminated to the satisfaction of both organisers and participants.
Fire and Ice, the remote control car challenge saw excited students concentrating hard to race their cars to the finish line. Sounds of engines whirring and cars zipping past were galore as the crowds were treated to some good entertainment. A total of 14 teams participated in the event that was held completely during Shaastra. The first round consisted of a timing round where the cars were required to complete laps on a track with obstacles. The second and the final round had two cars racing against each other. A team from Maharshi Markandeshwar college of Engineering Chandigarh came first in the event.
Junkyard Wars, one of the more challenging competitions, required participants to build working models out of scrap material. The hands-on event tested participants' creativity and simplicity in designing huge machines from nothing but junk. Participants were required to construct the most amazing machines with nothing but junk. Of the 170 teams registered in the first round, 30 were selected on the basis of a written paper. The final eight teams were asked to make a fork lift and they were given a dilapidated moped and lots of junk. There were several constraints placed on the device to be made. Teams were given complete access to the IIT-M workshop to complete their tasks.
The test flights of the RC aircraft made in the Aero Workshop were also held early on Sunday. Eight teams of students were guided by student coordinators from IIT-M. Chandru, one of the coordinators of the event said, “The participants were given all the materials needed to build the aircraft. At the end of four days, they can now go home with a complete RC aircraft.”
The plans were designed over the summer by three students of second year aerospace engineering — Chandru, Manu and Akhil. “The design was inspired by something we saw on the internet. After redesigning and tweaking to our specifications, the model is a lot different than from when we started out,” says Chandru. The finished aircraft weighed 1.5kgs, with a wingspan of 6 ft and tail to tip length of 4.5 ft.
The finals of How Things Work, a quiz competition were also held. Other interesting events were IQ, which tested the participants' speed, accuracy, analytical skills and common sense and Ignobel, a take on the Ignobel awards which recognise whacky ways in which science has been used. Students were asked to write their own research papers with a twist.
The symposium, which focused on the increasing need to unite the advancement in technology with the development of all facets of society, and the other hands-on and programming events, also marked the last day of the tech fest.
Visa hurdles for boy’s ‘magical’ scholarships
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 14 Jul 2011 08:33:17 AM IST
CHENNAI: Not many 13-year-old boys are passionate about any one thing in life. Not so with RR Yathunandh. A budding magician, the teenager is passionate about bringing a little bit of magic to people around him.
Yathunandh’s love for magic started three years ago, when he came across a video called “Easy Card Tricks Revealed”. He says, “I didn’t even have a proper deck of cards with me, so I used a pack of cricket trading cards to try out the tricks. They were so easy, and I was hooked.”
Training at the Madras Magic Centre for the past two years, under accomplished magician Vadivel Pillai, Yathunandh has shown his talents at various shows and competitions. “I have performed at birthday parties, New Year parties, during Pongal, and in many other places. I practise every day, and I love to perform,” says the boy who wants to be a “gentleman magician” like David Copperfield or Lance Burton.
Yathunandh was awarded a scholarship to Tannen’s Magic Camp in suburban Pennsylvania, USA, from July 9 to 16. The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund granted the scholarship.
“This is where the magic ended,” says Yathunandh’s mother, Nirmala R. “He was denied a visa by the US consulate. All our papers were in order, so we do not know why this happened” she says. The society has agreed to hold the scholarship for a year, but there is no written confirmation of this, says Nirmala. Yathunandh says, “It makes me sad when I think about it. I do not want to talk about the camp.”
This hitch in his magical journey has in no way dampened the youngster’s enthusiasm when asked about his favourite tricks. “I am good at sleight of hand tricks, they come easily to me. I enjoy doing things which the audience does not expect,” Yathunandh says brightly. He regularly posts videos on YouTube, under the title MrMrMagic1998.
Does he plan to take on magic as a full time profession? “I think I will become an aeronautical or marine engineer; this will give me the freedom to pursue my passion later on in life,” says Yathunandh. The young magician is keen to concentrate on his education, but is willing to do shows on the weekends, as long as it does not hamper his homework, he says.
Last Updated : 14 Jul 2011 08:33:17 AM IST
CHENNAI: Not many 13-year-old boys are passionate about any one thing in life. Not so with RR Yathunandh. A budding magician, the teenager is passionate about bringing a little bit of magic to people around him.
Yathunandh’s love for magic started three years ago, when he came across a video called “Easy Card Tricks Revealed”. He says, “I didn’t even have a proper deck of cards with me, so I used a pack of cricket trading cards to try out the tricks. They were so easy, and I was hooked.”
Training at the Madras Magic Centre for the past two years, under accomplished magician Vadivel Pillai, Yathunandh has shown his talents at various shows and competitions. “I have performed at birthday parties, New Year parties, during Pongal, and in many other places. I practise every day, and I love to perform,” says the boy who wants to be a “gentleman magician” like David Copperfield or Lance Burton.
Yathunandh was awarded a scholarship to Tannen’s Magic Camp in suburban Pennsylvania, USA, from July 9 to 16. The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund granted the scholarship.
“This is where the magic ended,” says Yathunandh’s mother, Nirmala R. “He was denied a visa by the US consulate. All our papers were in order, so we do not know why this happened” she says. The society has agreed to hold the scholarship for a year, but there is no written confirmation of this, says Nirmala. Yathunandh says, “It makes me sad when I think about it. I do not want to talk about the camp.”
This hitch in his magical journey has in no way dampened the youngster’s enthusiasm when asked about his favourite tricks. “I am good at sleight of hand tricks, they come easily to me. I enjoy doing things which the audience does not expect,” Yathunandh says brightly. He regularly posts videos on YouTube, under the title MrMrMagic1998.
Does he plan to take on magic as a full time profession? “I think I will become an aeronautical or marine engineer; this will give me the freedom to pursue my passion later on in life,” says Yathunandh. The young magician is keen to concentrate on his education, but is willing to do shows on the weekends, as long as it does not hamper his homework, he says.
Problems aplenty at major subways in the city
Sruthisagar Yamunan & Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 24 Oct 2011 08:57:09 AM IST
Subway near Labour statue
Perhaps one of the best utilised subways in the city, the one near Labour statue, has adequate lighting and enough security as it is placed near the University of Madras. Srinivasan, a government employee, said that the shops inside the subway ensured that there was enough light even up to 10pm. A watchman on duty said the anti-social elements did not hijack the place as there was enough police patrolling. However, the rising number of beggars in the last year had become an irritant, users of the subway said.
Subway near American embassy
With two liquor shops nearby, women who used the subway said that the underground passage was becoming “increasingly dangerous to use”. According to Latha, who works in the nearby automobile showroom, lack of adequate lighting had made the place a preferred one for drunkards once the sun set. She said even if the watchman on duty tried his best to keep such elements out, he was sometimes verbally abused by these miscreants. Others said most women from nearby offices avoided the subway after an alleged chain snatching incident a few months back.
Teynampet subway
Like the one near the Labour statue, the Teynampet subway, has also served its purpose efficiently. The huge width of the road, the heavy traffic and the fact that a bus stand is located right next to the subway on one side, has made it necessary for people. One of the main issues, though, is water logging. Namasivayam, who has a tea shop nearby, says water stagnates very quickly during rains and the drainage that was supposed ease the water out gets blocked often. A couple of women said that a number of traders selling Video CDs inside the subway in the evening had become a nuisance.
Subway near Kannagi Statue
The subway was constructed to help those who visit a number of government offices and colleges on Kamarajar Salai and Chepauk. But people termed it the "most thoughtlessly" built subway in the city. A number of persons said that the width of the road near the subway was not more than 25 feet and being a three-way junction, a signal and a police man were enough to help them cross the road. However, women cited the unruly behaviour of students for not using the subway. The subway needs a police officer to take care of such elements, they said.
Park Station
Connecting passengers from Central Station to the suburban train lines, this subway sees a lot of traffic. The downside is that more than half the area inside the subway has been taken up by vendors. The reduced space makes it easy for pickpockets to get away with their crimes.
Central Railway Station
Previously, a board announcing that jaywalkers would be punished was put up at the Central Railway Station junction. Now, it is the policemen who stop traffic to ensure that pedestrians cross the road, thus making the subway obsolete. Even if pedestrians are directed to use this subway during daytime, It is unusable after dusk.
Wall Tax Road Subway
This subway is hardly used by road users. People are not comfortable using it, as it has become a shelter for roadside dwellers. Moreover, pedestrians prefer to cross the road directly, as it is a narrow road, irrespective of whether the road is empty or crowded.
Last Updated : 24 Oct 2011 08:57:09 AM IST
Subway near Labour statue
Perhaps one of the best utilised subways in the city, the one near Labour statue, has adequate lighting and enough security as it is placed near the University of Madras. Srinivasan, a government employee, said that the shops inside the subway ensured that there was enough light even up to 10pm. A watchman on duty said the anti-social elements did not hijack the place as there was enough police patrolling. However, the rising number of beggars in the last year had become an irritant, users of the subway said.
Subway near American embassy
With two liquor shops nearby, women who used the subway said that the underground passage was becoming “increasingly dangerous to use”. According to Latha, who works in the nearby automobile showroom, lack of adequate lighting had made the place a preferred one for drunkards once the sun set. She said even if the watchman on duty tried his best to keep such elements out, he was sometimes verbally abused by these miscreants. Others said most women from nearby offices avoided the subway after an alleged chain snatching incident a few months back.
Teynampet subway
Like the one near the Labour statue, the Teynampet subway, has also served its purpose efficiently. The huge width of the road, the heavy traffic and the fact that a bus stand is located right next to the subway on one side, has made it necessary for people. One of the main issues, though, is water logging. Namasivayam, who has a tea shop nearby, says water stagnates very quickly during rains and the drainage that was supposed ease the water out gets blocked often. A couple of women said that a number of traders selling Video CDs inside the subway in the evening had become a nuisance.
Subway near Kannagi Statue
The subway was constructed to help those who visit a number of government offices and colleges on Kamarajar Salai and Chepauk. But people termed it the "most thoughtlessly" built subway in the city. A number of persons said that the width of the road near the subway was not more than 25 feet and being a three-way junction, a signal and a police man were enough to help them cross the road. However, women cited the unruly behaviour of students for not using the subway. The subway needs a police officer to take care of such elements, they said.
Park Station
Connecting passengers from Central Station to the suburban train lines, this subway sees a lot of traffic. The downside is that more than half the area inside the subway has been taken up by vendors. The reduced space makes it easy for pickpockets to get away with their crimes.
Central Railway Station
Previously, a board announcing that jaywalkers would be punished was put up at the Central Railway Station junction. Now, it is the policemen who stop traffic to ensure that pedestrians cross the road, thus making the subway obsolete. Even if pedestrians are directed to use this subway during daytime, It is unusable after dusk.
Wall Tax Road Subway
This subway is hardly used by road users. People are not comfortable using it, as it has become a shelter for roadside dwellers. Moreover, pedestrians prefer to cross the road directly, as it is a narrow road, irrespective of whether the road is empty or crowded.
After great rains come greater damage
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus & Saravanan
Last Updated : 03 Nov 2011 08:52:08 AM IST
Red Hills:
Rain water stagnation at Amullavoyal and Sekkadu villages have affected the movement of vehicles along this stretch. Though most of the stagnated water has drained out now, the villagers expect another spate of inundation if the Puzhal Lake is opened up to release surplus water. The villagers use this link road to reach Madhavaram and its surrounding areas. No public transport, however, runs on this road. When the road is waterlogged, the villagers are forced to take another route that takes them towards Thiruvottiyur to reach the city.
Kundrathur Somangalam Road
This road is constantly under water during the rains. With no way of escape for the water, it causes hardship to the motorists. Tamilarasan, a resident of Amarambedu, says, “Every week, there are accidents here. They are not fatal, but many two-wheeler motorists slipped, and sustained serious injuries.” For those living in surrounding areas, Kundrathur is the main point of convergence. When the lake wall is breached to prevent overflow, the roads become impossible to traverse, causing immense hardship to the residents.
Common Wealth War Graves Commission Madras Cemetery
The Madras War Cemetery was found completely flooded, with the gravestones immersed in two to three feet of water. When there is a heavy downpour, the cemetery is under water. This does not affect the traffic, as water doesn't stagnate on the road. The drainage system towards the Chennai Trade Centre and other places beyond the stretch are well connected, but the low-lying memorial is yet to be a part of it. Rajarajan, the manager of the cemetery, says, “An appeal has been sent to the Chief Minister and the Highways Department has assured us that a drainage system will be built soon.” He also said that the flood recovery costs came to around `40,000 each year, as the plants in front of each gravestone were destroyed and had to be replaced. The gravestones also have to be washed with a special solution, and all these incurred costs can be avoided if only the drainage system is done quickly.
GN Chetty Road
The stretch of GN Chetty Road was found to be fairly dry, barring a few puddles. A few potholes at the foot of the flyover still had some water, and caused inconvenience to those travelling by cars or bikes. Suresh Kumar, an employee of a company on this stretch, says, “When it rains continuously, water does stagnate, but thankfully, today, the condition is better. The potholes can't be seen when there is flooding.” He also said that those on two wheelers bear the brunt of this, as some of them tend to lose their balance.
Kumaran Nagar, Padi:
Continuous spells of rain throughout the past week has damaged most of the roads in the Kumaran Nagar locality in Padi. Though the stagnated water usually drains off a few hours after rains, it leaves behind a thick layer of slush. Among those who use this stretch, pedestrians and motorists are the worst affected. They are forced to cross the stretch very slowly to avoid losing control of their bikes. However, school students from this locality use this route to reach their schools in Mogappair like Velammal School and DAV School. Many were seen struggling for over an hour to cross this stretch on their bicycles. Now, the slush does not make life any easier for them.
Entrance to Kotturpuram MRTS Station:
Water logging at the Kotturpuram MRTS affected the movement of commuters for a few hours at the stretch. Since the station remains busy during peak hours everyday, the water stagnation did not affect much.
Last Updated : 03 Nov 2011 08:52:08 AM IST
Red Hills:
Rain water stagnation at Amullavoyal and Sekkadu villages have affected the movement of vehicles along this stretch. Though most of the stagnated water has drained out now, the villagers expect another spate of inundation if the Puzhal Lake is opened up to release surplus water. The villagers use this link road to reach Madhavaram and its surrounding areas. No public transport, however, runs on this road. When the road is waterlogged, the villagers are forced to take another route that takes them towards Thiruvottiyur to reach the city.
Kundrathur Somangalam Road
This road is constantly under water during the rains. With no way of escape for the water, it causes hardship to the motorists. Tamilarasan, a resident of Amarambedu, says, “Every week, there are accidents here. They are not fatal, but many two-wheeler motorists slipped, and sustained serious injuries.” For those living in surrounding areas, Kundrathur is the main point of convergence. When the lake wall is breached to prevent overflow, the roads become impossible to traverse, causing immense hardship to the residents.
Common Wealth War Graves Commission Madras Cemetery
The Madras War Cemetery was found completely flooded, with the gravestones immersed in two to three feet of water. When there is a heavy downpour, the cemetery is under water. This does not affect the traffic, as water doesn't stagnate on the road. The drainage system towards the Chennai Trade Centre and other places beyond the stretch are well connected, but the low-lying memorial is yet to be a part of it. Rajarajan, the manager of the cemetery, says, “An appeal has been sent to the Chief Minister and the Highways Department has assured us that a drainage system will be built soon.” He also said that the flood recovery costs came to around `40,000 each year, as the plants in front of each gravestone were destroyed and had to be replaced. The gravestones also have to be washed with a special solution, and all these incurred costs can be avoided if only the drainage system is done quickly.
GN Chetty Road
The stretch of GN Chetty Road was found to be fairly dry, barring a few puddles. A few potholes at the foot of the flyover still had some water, and caused inconvenience to those travelling by cars or bikes. Suresh Kumar, an employee of a company on this stretch, says, “When it rains continuously, water does stagnate, but thankfully, today, the condition is better. The potholes can't be seen when there is flooding.” He also said that those on two wheelers bear the brunt of this, as some of them tend to lose their balance.
Kumaran Nagar, Padi:
Continuous spells of rain throughout the past week has damaged most of the roads in the Kumaran Nagar locality in Padi. Though the stagnated water usually drains off a few hours after rains, it leaves behind a thick layer of slush. Among those who use this stretch, pedestrians and motorists are the worst affected. They are forced to cross the stretch very slowly to avoid losing control of their bikes. However, school students from this locality use this route to reach their schools in Mogappair like Velammal School and DAV School. Many were seen struggling for over an hour to cross this stretch on their bicycles. Now, the slush does not make life any easier for them.
Entrance to Kotturpuram MRTS Station:
Water logging at the Kotturpuram MRTS affected the movement of commuters for a few hours at the stretch. Since the station remains busy during peak hours everyday, the water stagnation did not affect much.
Homemakers left with no homes
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Last Updated : 31 Dec 2011 08:33:27 AM IST
CHENNAI: Chinnamuthu, a resident of Periya Kuppam, is a woman with a lot to worry about. As her four children, of ages ranging from 21 to 12, huddle toget-her behind her, she casts a glance towards what used to be her house. Cyclone Thane has taken away their home and possessions.
She and her family are now staying in their neighbour’s house. “My eldest daughter is to get married in July next year. What will I do without a house? I can’t even retrieve anything now,” she says, with tears running down her cheeks. Her husband has a history of convulsions that has prevented him from venturing into the sea.
Similar stories could be heard from women of the fishing communities in the North Chennai area, especially during such times of calamity. The cyclone shelter does not offer much privacy or facilities. As long as the after-effects of the cyclone last, food is provided, and that too only if they demand.
Anjala, who also lost her house, says, “We have seen enough of this destruction every time there is a natural calamity. Since the 2004 tsunami, we are afraid to live here, but the houses to relocate us have not been handed over.”
Desam, a long-time resident of the hamlet says, “Even if we have to be moved from here, we would like to have all the families from the area in the same locality. Only 120 houses are ready in Netaji Nagar, whereas close to 300 families live here.”
The womenfolk do their best to scrape together what they can during these times when the men cannot go out and earn.
They are a proud and self-sufficient lot, who do not look up to anyone for help, but only demand what is due to them.
As one resident, Seetha says, “There is a limit to how much we can suffer. We cannot live like this any longer.”
Last Updated : 31 Dec 2011 08:33:27 AM IST
CHENNAI: Chinnamuthu, a resident of Periya Kuppam, is a woman with a lot to worry about. As her four children, of ages ranging from 21 to 12, huddle toget-her behind her, she casts a glance towards what used to be her house. Cyclone Thane has taken away their home and possessions.
She and her family are now staying in their neighbour’s house. “My eldest daughter is to get married in July next year. What will I do without a house? I can’t even retrieve anything now,” she says, with tears running down her cheeks. Her husband has a history of convulsions that has prevented him from venturing into the sea.
Similar stories could be heard from women of the fishing communities in the North Chennai area, especially during such times of calamity. The cyclone shelter does not offer much privacy or facilities. As long as the after-effects of the cyclone last, food is provided, and that too only if they demand.
Anjala, who also lost her house, says, “We have seen enough of this destruction every time there is a natural calamity. Since the 2004 tsunami, we are afraid to live here, but the houses to relocate us have not been handed over.”
Desam, a long-time resident of the hamlet says, “Even if we have to be moved from here, we would like to have all the families from the area in the same locality. Only 120 houses are ready in Netaji Nagar, whereas close to 300 families live here.”
The womenfolk do their best to scrape together what they can during these times when the men cannot go out and earn.
They are a proud and self-sufficient lot, who do not look up to anyone for help, but only demand what is due to them.
As one resident, Seetha says, “There is a limit to how much we can suffer. We cannot live like this any longer.”
Garbage woes in Kodambakkam
Susanna Myrtle Lazarus
Express News Service
Last Updated : 04 Jan 2012 08:35:32 AM IST
CHENNAI: Residents of Kodambakkam are a disgruntled lot as garbage collection in their area is dismal. The scene on the Station Border Road has been deteriorating from bad to worse since last month.
With the railway over bridge work in progress, the area is cluttered with iron rods and other construction material. Adding to the chaos are the overflowing dustbins and garbage heaped all along the stretch.
The stench is quite unbearable, and people passing by are forced to endure it, not to forget those whose houses are right opposite the dumping area. G Brindha, resident of Station Border Road, says, “Of late the public roads have become mini dumping yards. Our newly-elected Mayor, at the time of assuming charge, had promised that garbage cleaning would be accirded top priority, but no fruitful action seems to have been taken by the authorities.”
Residents blame the civic authorities, saying that in the absence of a bin, they have no other choice but to throw the garbage out on the road. “Obviously we cannot collect the rubbish and store it in our houses,” says Meenakshi, a housewife.
The lack of public sanitation facilities in the nearby slum in Aziz Nagar First Street is also felt, or rather smelt, quite keenly. The slum intersects three streets of Station Border Road, and each morning, the children use these street corners as toilets. There is just one dustbin for the entire slum.
Residents of Aziz Nagar say that they too have no other option but to throw garbage around the perennially-overflowing dustbin. On festival days, the accumulation of waste is huge, and sometimes even blocks the road they say. “We have complained to all authorities concerned, but there has been no response. We cannot live in the midst of this filth anymore,” say the residents.
Express News Service
Last Updated : 04 Jan 2012 08:35:32 AM IST
CHENNAI: Residents of Kodambakkam are a disgruntled lot as garbage collection in their area is dismal. The scene on the Station Border Road has been deteriorating from bad to worse since last month.
With the railway over bridge work in progress, the area is cluttered with iron rods and other construction material. Adding to the chaos are the overflowing dustbins and garbage heaped all along the stretch.
The stench is quite unbearable, and people passing by are forced to endure it, not to forget those whose houses are right opposite the dumping area. G Brindha, resident of Station Border Road, says, “Of late the public roads have become mini dumping yards. Our newly-elected Mayor, at the time of assuming charge, had promised that garbage cleaning would be accirded top priority, but no fruitful action seems to have been taken by the authorities.”
Residents blame the civic authorities, saying that in the absence of a bin, they have no other choice but to throw the garbage out on the road. “Obviously we cannot collect the rubbish and store it in our houses,” says Meenakshi, a housewife.
The lack of public sanitation facilities in the nearby slum in Aziz Nagar First Street is also felt, or rather smelt, quite keenly. The slum intersects three streets of Station Border Road, and each morning, the children use these street corners as toilets. There is just one dustbin for the entire slum.
Residents of Aziz Nagar say that they too have no other option but to throw garbage around the perennially-overflowing dustbin. On festival days, the accumulation of waste is huge, and sometimes even blocks the road they say. “We have complained to all authorities concerned, but there has been no response. We cannot live in the midst of this filth anymore,” say the residents.
Monday, January 2, 2012
World record for world peace
Express News Service
January 2
CHENNAI: The fragrance of fresh flowers filled the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday morning, as the students of Annai Violet College of Arts and Science, along with florists, attempted to break a Guinness World Record.
In support of world peace, chairman of the college, Dr NR Dhanapalan had organised the attempt to create the world’s longest flower garland on the occasion of his birthday. Sixty florists threaded yellow chrysanthemums with help from the college students. The attempt was to create a garland that was five kilometres long.
The record is currently held by Ashrita Furman and a team of 170 friends from 35 countries who made the world’s longest flower garland dedicated to the 80th birth anniversary of the famous peace visionary Sri Chinmoy. In August 2011, the team had created a 3.46-km-long flower string, which consisted of 80,000 carnations of various colours, around Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows - Corona Park, USA.
One of the florists, Venkatesh, said, “The students wanted to thread the flowers, but it is not as simple as it looks. That is why we are doing the threading, as we have a time limit to maintain.” The students attempted to complete the five-kilometre-long garland within three hours, with the help of 100 volunteers. Approximately two tonnes of flowers were used and the attempt was recorded and sent to the Guinness Book of World Records for verification and recognition.
Representatives of various religious communities participated in the flagging off of the event, and each prayed for peace in the world. Those present included Rev Dr M Ezra Sargunam, Bishop-President, ECI; Maha Namo Theoro, Chief Monk, Mahabodhi Society, and Giani Prathipal Singh, Head Priest, Gurudwara Sahib.
January 2
CHENNAI: The fragrance of fresh flowers filled the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday morning, as the students of Annai Violet College of Arts and Science, along with florists, attempted to break a Guinness World Record.
In support of world peace, chairman of the college, Dr NR Dhanapalan had organised the attempt to create the world’s longest flower garland on the occasion of his birthday. Sixty florists threaded yellow chrysanthemums with help from the college students. The attempt was to create a garland that was five kilometres long.
The record is currently held by Ashrita Furman and a team of 170 friends from 35 countries who made the world’s longest flower garland dedicated to the 80th birth anniversary of the famous peace visionary Sri Chinmoy. In August 2011, the team had created a 3.46-km-long flower string, which consisted of 80,000 carnations of various colours, around Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows - Corona Park, USA.
One of the florists, Venkatesh, said, “The students wanted to thread the flowers, but it is not as simple as it looks. That is why we are doing the threading, as we have a time limit to maintain.” The students attempted to complete the five-kilometre-long garland within three hours, with the help of 100 volunteers. Approximately two tonnes of flowers were used and the attempt was recorded and sent to the Guinness Book of World Records for verification and recognition.
Representatives of various religious communities participated in the flagging off of the event, and each prayed for peace in the world. Those present included Rev Dr M Ezra Sargunam, Bishop-President, ECI; Maha Namo Theoro, Chief Monk, Mahabodhi Society, and Giani Prathipal Singh, Head Priest, Gurudwara Sahib.
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