The Citizen’s Charter for the Pallikaranai Watershed has called for watershed-based planning and immediate implementation of state policies to protect wetlands and waterways in one of Chennai's most flood-prone areas. The charter, compiled by the Oorvani Foundation and the Chennai Wetlands Action Collective (CWAC), was released on Wednesday by the Pallikaranai Collective, a coalition of civil society organisations, environmental groups, resident welfare associations, activists and conservation experts striving to protect the Pallikaranai watershed region. The report documents issues ranging from wetland degradation, encroachment by construction projects, sewage and solid waste pollution and blocked canals to poorly planned restoration works and…

Every afternoon around 2 pm when school ends, nine-year-old Rian looks forward to playing basketball. The neighbourhood park near his home does not have a basketball hoop, so he often uses a tree as an imaginary net. A few months ago, his doctor advised his mother, Geeta Kohli, to ensure he plays daily to help manage his childhood obesity. However, during Delhi’s unforgiving summers, the heat often disrupts this routine.  Rian's tuition classes start at 5.30 pm and in the afternoon, the outdoor temperature hovers around 45 degrees Celsius, making it difficult to go out and play. By the time…