News | Citizen Matters

City of freebies: Promises that the Delhi government must deliver on

September 19, 2019 Sri Krishna

Water, electricity, wifi, bus rides for women — promises of free or heavily subsidised services for the citizens of Delhi flow freely and frequently from the AAP government. We take a look at the details of some recent announcements and where they stand.

How the Sabarmati river is affecting the climate of Ahmedabad

September 18, 2019 Amita Bhaduri

A study shows how the open space on the western bank of the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad acts as a heat sink. Water bodies in general have a great impact on land surface temperatures in the city, as is also seen in the case of Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake.

“If it’s affordable, it’s not a fine”: Why many are opposed to lowering penalties under new traffic law

September 17, 2019 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

Outrage over the imposition of exorbitantly high penalties for traffic rule violations has dominated much of the conversation around the new road safety law. Yet, there are countless survivors and families who recall their trauma and loss as they support the new fines.

In Jalandhar, the makers of Dhoni’s bat are crying out for government help; here’s why

September 16, 2019 Raj Machhan

There was a time when Jalandhar contributed to almost 80 per cent of the sports goods manufactured in India. Thanks to slow modernisation, stiff Chinese competition and most recently, the GST, its leadership position is challenged not just globally, but even within the country.

Cities must know more about desertification and be a part of the solution: Sunita Narain, CSE

September 14, 2019 Kedar Koushik

As the 14th Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification was held in New Delhi, we spoke to Sunita Narain, Director-General of Centre for Science and Environment, to know what our cities can do to mitigate the looming environmental crisis.

Heavy rain, dams full to the brim, yet Pune citizens have to rely on costly tanker water

September 13, 2019 Ekta Joshi

Citizens fail to understand why, even with abundant rains and a flooded city, their daily needs for water are not met and the municipal corporation has to implement water cuts in so many areas. Here’s a look at the real reasons.

Citizen Matters Impact: Buddha Nullah restoration in Ludhiana gets new life

September 11, 2019 Raj Machhan

It has been a little over three months since Citizen Matters raised the long-pending issue of the clean-up of Buddha Nullah. That coverage has given a boost to attempts by a 50-member umbrella organisation to restore the Sutlej tributary, and the government appears to be listening too.

As Mumbai gets ready to bid adieu to Bappa, the sea braces for more pollution

September 10, 2019 Jahanvi J

An estimated 1.63 lakh idols were bought by households this year, and over 19,000 idols for the public pandals. Most of these are made of thermocol and Plaster-of-Paris (POP), and will be immersed in the sea, along the popular beaches. Why is Mumbai unable to move from POP to clay idols?

Not made in heaven: Do’s and don’ts when you look for a life partner online

September 9, 2019 Swati Amar

Online matchmaking among the tech-savvy new generation has led to the proliferation of various matrimonial and dating sites in India. But these come with very real hazards and every user of such sites must always be cautious.

Can Mumbai metro or monorail save the day as monsoon submerges the suburban lines?

September 8, 2019 Jahanvi J

Thousands of crores have been spent on these two public transport projects, but as rains throw usual life out of gear, can they really provide effective alternatives or support to the Mumbai locals, the lifeline for commuters in the city?

Why Smart City projects may not be enough to hold back Jalandhar’s youth

September 5, 2019 Ayona Datta

For the older generation, many of them tradesmen, smart city is about a lot more than “chowk redevelopment.” For the youth, ‘Jalandhar ka kuch nahi ho sakta’ appears to be the dominant sentiment. The smart citizen they say is one who is successful in his efforts to emigrate.

Why the Bombay High Court had to don Mumbai tree panel’s hat

September 4, 2019 Hepzi Anthony

Mumbai’s Tree Authority had for long led a quiet existence, issuing permissions without fuss to cut trees to make way for the city’s rapid urbanization. People are now looking up to the courts as a last resort to save the green cover of the city.