July | 2017 | Citizen Matters

How Mysuru got a new mantra: Save Kukkurahalli Lake

July 31, 2017 Navya R

These Mysureans have convinced the government as well as the public on how Kukkurahalli Lake can be restored without destroying its natural ecosystem, by giving more importance to biodiversity than theme parks and boating.

A jungle comes to the city

July 27, 2017 Amita Bhaduri

As Delhi grapples with the ills of acute environmental degradation, the redeveloped ecosystem of the Yamuna biodiversity park could indeed be a saviour.

When do you become an insider in your city?

July 24, 2017 Jahnavi Jayanth

Do you really belong in the city where you live? What makes one a true Bengalurean, or a true Mumbaikar? In a journey across global cities, Jahnavi Jayanth finds that often the attitudes and factors that thwart inclusiveness are innate and similar.

Proposed heritage law could end up damaging our monuments

July 21, 2017 Ranjit Gadgil

Cabinet-approved amendments to the AMASR Act of 1958 allow construction for ‘public works’ even within the prohibited buffer zone around nationally protected monuments, posing a real threat to these heritage structures.

Why are Indian scientists asking you to march with them this August?

July 19, 2017 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

On August 9th, cities across India will organise a ‘March for Science’ at the call of the Indian scientific research community, which feels a growing sense of crisis. Find out why.

When kids reclaim city streets: A photo essay

July 17, 2017 Gopal M S

Where do children go when our cities fall prey to unilateral growth agendas leading to more cars, more high-rises and disappearing playgrounds? These poignant photos from Mumbai streets by Gopal MS tells the story.

Does nature stand a chance in this urbanisation frenzy?

July 13, 2017 Smita Mitra

Indian cities need serious, sustained focus on the various components that can improve and nurture their ecosystems. While a few individual and community driven projects raise hopes, a lot remains to be done.

Debate over GST on sanitary napkins: What are we missing?

July 12, 2017 Shree D N

A recent comment by a Kannada actor defending GST on sanitary napkins and terming them as a western imposition sparked off a furious debate on social media. But have the shrill arguments clouded the nuances of the issue?

Why these Kolkata morning walkers have reserved their Sunday mornings for protest!

July 10, 2017 Somendramohan Ghosh

The 192-acre Rabindra Sarobar is a beautiful green oasis in the heart of Kolkata and a favourite of many old timers in the southern part of the city. But reckless urbanisation and callous maintenance is taking its toll, leaving many regular visitors deeply distraught.

Novel ecosystems: How our cities are changing nature

July 6, 2017 Smita Mitra

Looking at urban spaces as ‘novel ecosystems’ – emerging ecologies that have no historical predecessors – can change how we think about afforestation and conservation efforts.