CITIZEN JOURNALISM

As India experiences economic growth, the accompanying rise in motorisation and vehicular traffic brings a heightened risk of road crash injuries and fatalities. With two-wheelers dominating Indian roads (these comprise 75% of all registered vehicles), the safety of their riders, particularly children, becomes paramount. Road crashes often stem from non-compliance with traffic rules, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of safety gear, with helmets being a critical yet frequently overlooked safety aspect. In Tamil Nadu, two-wheelers accounted for the highest fatalities (44.22%) in 2023. Around 29.9% of these fatalities were attributed to non-compliance with helmet usage. According to the World Health Organization…

In July, some members of the Valmiki Nagar Residents Group wanted to address the problem of overgrown trees, support newly planted saplings, prune trees along the avenues, and curb the growth of invasive species. A few of us at the Association thought it would be a good idea to form a smaller committee to research and supervise the growth of trees, the different species in the area, and their proper care. Read more: Heritage tree walk sheds light on Chennai’s finest trees Through our research on the trees in the area, we developed an inventory of around 70 trees. We…

On October 16, 2015, I came across a newspaper photo that left me aghast — women performing Chhath Puja in the frothing Yamuna River. Chhath Puja is an important festival for Hindus in Uttar Pradesh, beginning and ending with a dip in a water body. This festival is known to be one of the most eco-friendly celebrations among Hindus, involving rituals performed in natural settings, using natural materials, and respecting the environment. However, the sight of the river submerged in toxicity starkly contrasted with the nurtured love and respect for divinity in its natural form. The river languished in a…

"Inconvenience today for a better tomorrow" — this saying resonates as we navigate the streets of Perumbakkam, a reminder that the ongoing Metro Rail construction work promises progress. But when it comes to saving lives, that inconvenience becomes a serious concern that demands immediate attention. In Perumbakkam, the sound of an ambulance siren has become a haunting reminder of a persistent and growing problem. Instead of speeding through traffic, these emergency vehicles often find themselves trapped — immobilised in a gridlock of cars, school buses, and construction barriers. What should be a quick dash to the hospital often turns into…

One of the most important goals under NEP 2020  is to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy in primary schools by the year 2025. The Ministry of Education started the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Bharat in July 2021. The goal is to enable children to attain basic foundational skills by the time they reach Class III. The Ministry aims to achieve this by 2026-27. Read more: Students detained in spare classroom: Who pays when school fees become unaffordable? Pratham's Leader Mother for NIPUN Maharashtra programme Pratham, an NGO established in 1995, has been working…

Chennai is known for its rich cultural heritage, booming economy, and vibrant social life. However, the city faces a significant issue with the rampant proliferation of unauthorised advertising hoardings, or ‘flex’ banners. These banners are erected without permission from civic authorities. Despite existing regulations and penalties, this problem persists, leading to accidents and fatalities. This situation underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement and increased public awareness. What are 'flex' banners? These banners are used for various purposes, including political campaigns, advertisements, religious events, and personal celebrations. Their low production cost and ease of use make them an attractive option…

Recent incidents of stray dog attacks have raised concerns about the safety of the elderly and children. On August 28th, a 76-year-old woman allegedly died in a ferocious stray dog attack in Jalahalli.  In another incident last month, a 40-year-old woman in Banaswadi was bitten by a stray dog. The video of this incident went viral on social media. As reported in the media, BBMP East Zone Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry) Mallapa Bhajantri said that they received information about the dog bite from another resident of Banaswadi, but have no details about the injured woman.  The Assistant Director also…

The extension of 3rd Cross road in Vijayanagar is like any emerging neighbourhood in Bengaluru, with houses packed like boxes on either side. This led us to explore the role of regulations in shaping our buildings, streets and city at large. We presented our findings at the ‘Bengaluru Design Jam’, organised by organised by OpenCity, and held on July 6th. The participants collaborated to analyse and interpret different aspects of BBMP’s construction bye-laws.  The changes and growth of cities are often guided by economic activities. But the development of cities needs to be managed and regulated to ensure liveability. This…

Residents of the tenements built by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) in Vyasarpadi, North Chennai face several challenges. The homes are cramped, barely providing enough space for two people. There are no recreational areas for children to play and for adults to relax. Additionally, the narrow, unsafe roads with speeding vehicles pose a hazard for children living nearby. The drains are often clogged and sewage is seen overflowing onto the congested lanes. So, how do people feel about living here? One resident laments that the living spaces in the resettlement site make them feel that there is…

Bengaluru has numerous parks and lakes, where we all love to walk and run. However, the city lacks proper walking, cycling, and running infrastructure. Daily walking for errands is nearly impossible due to broken sidewalks, exposed wires, and construction debris everywhere. Attempting to use a bicycle or run on the roads puts one at risk from heavy vehicles, cars, and other traffic.  Sheela Sahi, a commuter, on her way to work on her cycle. Pic: Sheela Sahi Climate change and oft-repeated solutions While the weather has traditionally been good, in recent years, due to climate change, it has been worsening.…